Construction on the Temple of Heaven began in 1406 during the reign of Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) and took 14 years to complete. The complex contains three main buildings where the emperor; as the 'Son of Heaven'; went during the winter solstice to offer prayers and sacrifices for a good harvest. The emperor spent the night before the ceremony fasting in the Hall of Abstinence.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the north stands 39 m tall and is supported by 28 wooden pillars covered with three conical roofs; all covered with blue glazed tiles. The last person to use the hall was Yuan Shi-kai; president of the new republic; who had imperial ambitions and who offered imperial sacrifices on the winter solstice in 1914.

The Hall of the Imperial Vault of Heaven; in the centre; stored the ceremonial tablets used in rituals. Echo Wall; a circular brick wall surrounding the Imperial Vault; has the acoustical ability to enable two people standing at opposite points to hear each other whisper. The Circular Mound Altar of Heaven; to the south; is where the emperor offered sacrifices and prayed.