Beijing - Culture Park of the Workers

(Local Name: Laodong Renmin Wenhuagong) The Culture Park of the Workers, which lies to the southeast of the Imperial Palace, was originally the Imperial Temple of Ancestors, constructed by order of Emperor Yongle in 1420. Today it is open to the public for leisure and cultural activities. Film and theater performances, exhibitions, concerts and sporting activities all take place here.

From the south gate the actual temple compound is entered through a three-arched gate and through the Daji Men gate. Three halls are placed one in front of the other. In the First Hall (Taimiao) ceremonies of ancestor worship took place. In the Middle Hall (Zhongdian) were kept the rolls of honor of deceased emperors - the rolls were brought out only for ceremonies which took place in the First Hall - and the Rear Hall (Houdian) forms the conclusion of the temple area.