During this year's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, the Temple of Heaven host a variety of cultural and science activities, featuring a special night market that combines traditional culture with interactive experiences, offering residents and tourists a fun holiday experience.

As a key element of Beijing's Central Axis Heritage, the Temple of Heaven embodies deep historical and cultural significance along with rich ecological resources. Throughout the holiday, the park held multiple cultural and educational activities under the theme "Learn Culture, Enjoy Greenery, Promote Civility, and Protect Heritage."

On the first day of the holiday (September 15), the Temple of Heaven host a themed science activity titled "Mid-Autumn Walk at the Temple of Heaven: Exploring Reunion Through the Central Axis." Cultural and science educators guided pre-registered participants on a walk through the ancient architectural complex, helping them discover the "circle" elements within the Temple of Heaven.

In the afternoon, the Science Cabin held an interactive "Smart Temple of Heaven Science Tools Exhibition." Visitors could get a close-up look at unique teaching tools covering the temple's architecture, ecology, and history. They could also engage in hands-on activities, including painting canvas bags with traditional designs, creating tree ring art to explore tree ages, and making quilled paper art to learn about the birds of the Temple of Heaven.

On the second day of the holiday (September 16), the Temple of Heaven host the "Gardens Along the Central Axis: Ancient Tree Observation" activity. Science educators explained the relationship between the history of the Temple of Heaven and its garden features, guiding participants in observing and learning about the ancient trees, which number 3,562 and account for 15% of all ancient trees in urban Beijing.

On the third day (September 17), a hybrid online and in-person event titled "Exploring Ancient Architecture at the Temple of Heaven" introduced participants to cultural and scientific knowledge of ancient buildings. They learned about the common architectural components of the temple and gain insights into its history and the scientific wisdom behind its construction. In the afternoon, the "Close-Up on Decorative Painting" activity provided hands-on experience with traditional painting techniques, such as pattern sketching, gold leaf application, and color brushing, allowing participants to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of ancient artisans.

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a unique view of the full moon framed by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven, creating a picturesque scene of reunion and beauty.

During the holiday, a newly upgraded night market debuted inside the North Gate of the Temple of Heaven.

Visitors could witness Master Zhu Bingren's intangible cultural heritage copperware-making, showcasing centuries of craftsmanship. Interactive games such as archery and pitch-pot offered a taste of ancient scholarly elegance, while hands-on activities like lantern and lacquer fan making gave participants a chance to create their own festive decorations. The night market also featured Beijing's time-honored delicacies, allowing guests to enjoy both the beauty of the moon and the flavors of the season.

A flea market made its debut on the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, where students from schools near the Temple of Heaven promoted the concepts of "green, energy-saving, and low-carbon living" through activities like bartering and charity sales.

For those who couldn't attend in person, the Temple of Heaven offered an online livestream event. Viewers joined a virtual Mid-Autumn journey to explore the night scenery, listen to traditional music, and interact online. Participants followed along with science educators to watch the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests being illuminated, celebrating the festival and unity from afar.

Additionally, online audiences could enjoy a special performance of court music presented by the Temple of Heaven's National Intangible Cultural Heritage music troupe via the park's official Weibo account.

Translator: DING Hongwei

Reviewer: BAI Jing