The Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

Books by
Usha Alexander

Books by
Namit Arora

Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing, China

The Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 267-hectare park that dates from 1420 CE. It served as the center of religious rites performed by the Sons of Heaven, i.e., emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, who prayed here for good harvest. (read more)

Symbol of Beijing Olympics (near the northern gate)	The North Celestial Gate	Singer in the park (more) Singer in the park	Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (1, 2, 3) Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests			Security detail for visiting Russian dignitary
Close-up of the hall			Inside the hall (more) Inside the hall
Stairs leading up	Southern Gate	Firewood stoves	Sacrificial altar (more) Sacrificial altar
Imperial Vault of Heaven			Closer view (1, 2) Closer view Closer view
Inside the Vault of Heaven			Southern exit gate
Circular Mound Altar	Posing woman	Heavenly center stone (1) Heavenly center stone	Zhaoheng Gate (south)