THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

Moving on, we went off to have our lunch at the restaurant.

Then we proceeded to Temple of Heaven, located in the south of Beijing, covering an area of 2.73 million square meters.

When we got inside, I was simply astounded by the vast seemingly endless green trees enhancing the natural beauty of the place.



I saw this store a couple of blocks away from the entrance.

The Temple of Heaven is the most holy imperial temple in Beijing. For this is where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. Since his rule was legitimized by a mandate from heaven, a bad harvest could be interpreted as his fall from heaven’s favour and threaten the stability of his reign. So it was not without a measure of self-interest that the Emperor fervently prayed for a very good crop.

Then we walked around, and wow, I was quite surprised by the number of people there, playing musical instruments, singing Chinese traditional songs, playing games and some were dancing. It was like an elaborate outdoor party, noisy but fun atmosphere. (I wasn't able to take pictures of other performers because throngs of curious and eager spectators gathered along the corridors.)



The design of the Temple of Heaven complex, true to its sacred purpose, reflects the mystical cosmological laws believed to be central to the workings of the universe. Hence, complex numerological permutations operate within its design. For example, because the number nine was considered to be the most powerful digit, you will see that the slabs that form the Circular Altar have been laid in multiples of nine. Similarly within the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.

Our group going to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.


Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, was built in 4120 during the reign of Ming Emperor Yongle, the original hall, rectangular in shape, was first named the Great Hall for Sacrificial Rituals used to worship both Earth and Heaven. In 1545 during Ming Emperor Jiajing’s reign, it was rebuilt as a round hall with a triple-eaved roof covered with blue, yellow and green glazed tiles symbolizing Heaven, Earth and the mortal world; it was renamed the Great Hall for Offering Sacrifices.




Reconstructed again in 1751 during the reign of Qing Emperor Qianlong, it was surmounted by a triple roof with azure glazed tiles only, culminating in a gilded sphere and renamed the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, exclusively used to pray good harvests in January.

38.2 meters high and 24.2 meters in diameter, the hall is supported by immense pillars, symbolizing the four seasons, the 12 months of the year, the 12 divisions of the day and night, and all the constellations. It is the only existing example of the ancient Ming Tang architectural style.




The upper floor of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.



The view from the Hall.



Here is our souvenir group photo.



East Annex Hall of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, was constructed in 1420 during the Ming Emperor Yongle’s reign, its original layout was two rolls of halls-the front hall with 9 bays, the rear with 7 bays.


In 1751 Qing Emperor Qianlong had the rear hall removed due to “its orderly arrangement”. The front hall remained to house the divine tablets of attending gods.

It is said that during the Imperial times commoners were not allowed to enter the enormous Temple of Heaven. But now, for a minimal fee, the door is open. Chinese citizens and tourists can enjoy it all day long.

UNESCO placed the Temple of Heaven on the list of the World Cultural Heritage in 1998.