The second and last photo gallery for today is from the Temple of Heaven from Beijing. According to China.org.cn, the Temple of Heaven is:
China’s largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. Occupying an area of 273 hectares, it is three times the area of the Forbidden City. It was built in 1420 for emperors to worship Heaven. The principle buildings include the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Circular Mound Altar.
The Temple of Heaven is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is described by this organization as “a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world’s great civilizations.”
Aside for pictures, I have to admit that this place and the social rituals and events that I witnessed here took me by surprise. I will write more about my experience at the Temple of Heaven later tonight. Until then, I invite you to enjoy the pictures I took.
