Tour of the “Temple of Heaven” is part of the US president’s state visit to Beijing, the 1st since 2017
After a meeting that lasted around 2 and a half hours in the Great Hall of the People —the Chinese Congress—, the president of the United States, (Republican Party), visited one of Beijing’s main tourist attractions: the Temple of Heaven. He was accompanied by the Chinese president, Xi Jinping (Communist Party of China).
The agenda is part of the American president’s state visit to China. It is the first time that a White House leader has set foot on Chinese soil since 2017. At the time, the president was also Trump, who visited the Forbidden City.
It is the custom of Chinese diplomacy to promote cultural tours with heads of state who visit the country, but Xi’s presence at these events is rare and demonstrates the guest’s prestige. On his visit to China in January this year, for example, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the Forbidden City, but was not accompanied by Xi. In 2017, the Chinese leader was next to Trump in the same place.
A tourist tour in Beijing is not a guarantee of prestige nor is it necessarily linked to the guest’s relevance. The schedule also depends on the official agenda. When the president (PT) made his state visit to China, in May 2025, there was no time for a cultural activity, although the PT member is respected by Xi.
What is the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a 15th-century Taoist imperial complex. It was known for being the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered prayers to ensure good harvests and the favor of the gods.
In addition to the main temple, the complex houses an altar used by the emperor in these ceremonies and brings together symbols linked to Taoism.
