This long entry walk is extremely pleasant to stroll down, and one could picnic on the sides in the shade if prepared. It was an escape from the heat of the day, being cooled by the greenery.

The layout within the park of the structures and paths is classically Ming in nature, with the bases to the buildings being square (earth) and the buildings being round (heaven). There are four gates at the primary points of the compass. The walls are square at the South, and round at the North.

The "Son of Heaven" came here to pray for good harvests, seek divine clearance for decisions, and atone for the sins of his people.