Ditan Park

A park in the northern city built around the Altar of the Earth, the square terrace where emperors performed sacrifices to the earth god at the summer solstice. Laid out in the sixteenth century as a counterpart to the round altar of heaven in the south, its plain stone platform reflects the ancient association of the earth with square forms and yellow tones. Surrounding groves, walls, and ceremonial buildings survive within the public grounds. The park is best known for the crowded temple fair held here each lunar new year.