ditan

DitAn, often written Ditan, is a term used in Chinese contexts to refer to the Earth Temple, or Di-tan (地坛). The Chinese characters literally translate to "Earth Altar" or "Earth Temple." The name is most commonly associated with a historic temple complex in Beijing that was dedicated to the Earth God and formed part of the city’s imperial ceremonial landscape.

In Beijing, the Ditan Temple complex was built to serve earth-related rites and worship practices. The surrounding area later became Ditan Park, a public space located in the Chaoyang District. Today the park preserves historic elements and is valued for its green spaces, trees, and tranquil atmosphere, attracting visitors and local residents for recreation and leisure.

The temple precinct is also linked to the Ditan Festival, a traditional temple fair historically held at the site. Such fairs featured religious rites alongside markets, performances, and cultural activities. In the modern era, temple fairs have been scaled back or revived only on certain occasions, but the site continues to host cultural events and serves as a venue for community activities and exhibitions.

Because the term ditan can refer to different topics in different contexts, it is most commonly understood in reference to the Beijing Earth Temple and its associated park and cultural events. The name underscores the site’s historical function as a place of Earth worship within Beijing’s urban landscape.