Overview
The 267-hectare park sets round forms on square bases throughout, the round standing for heaven and the square for earth. Three structures matter: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven with its echoing circular wall, and the open Circular Mound Altar. Locals use the surrounding park heavily for exercise, chorus singing and cards, which is half the reason to come.
Highlights
Arrive early and walk the park before the buildings; the morning activity is the living part of the site. The combined ticket covers the three monuments, and the park-only ticket does not. The Echo Wall works best when the site is quiet, which in practice means before nine.