The Temple Of Heaven
AZ Beijing

Overview
The Temple of Heaven is located just a short distance from the Forbidden City. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, today this complex is the largest series of ancient Chinese sacrificial structure in China. If you thought the Forbidden City was large, then you are in for a surprise. The Temple of Heaven complex is at least 3 times the size of the Forbidden City.

The Temple area is surrounded by two walls; one round and one that is square. In order to symbolize Heaven and Earth the northern portion of the temple complex is circular and elevated. The southern portion is laid out on a square grid. This design shows that the heaven is high and the earth is low and the design reflected an ancient Chinese thought of 'The heaven is round and the earth is square'.

The most important buildings in the Temple of Heaven are the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar.

It was at the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvest where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for bountiful harvest. The Imperial Vault of Heaven was used to hold items for critical for worship. At the Circular Mount Altar is the location where emperors made prayers to heaven. In the heart of the building is a circular stone called the Center of Heaven Stone.

Besides some impressive buildings, the Temple of Heaven is also home to well over 60,000 cypress trees.

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