Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) in China, Beijing resort
Rating: 8,1/10 (247 votes)  This only round temple in Beijing is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Around the temple is a huge temple complex with an area of 267 hectares. The Temple of Heaven is one of the symbols of Beijing. It was built in 1420, during the reign of Yong Le from the Ming dynasty. The Temple of Heaven is located southeast of the emperor's palace. Initially, the temple was a temple of heaven and earth, but in 1530 a separate earth temple was built, and this temple became only a temple of heaven. Therefore, the temple has such an unusual architecture - the northern part of the building is rounded, and the southern part is square. This is due to the fact that the square symbolizes the Earth, and the circle symbolizes the Heaven. For half a millennium annually on the day of the winter solstice, the emperors came here to so that after fasting for three days to bring generous gifts to Heaven. Since it was believed that the ruler of China is of divine origin, only he could pray to Heaven and ask them for protection of his state.    We also recommend reading Summer Imperial Palace (Yiheyuan) in China, Beijing resort Topic: Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) in China, Beijing resort. |
