The Temple of Heaven and Earth is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of Beijing. It has been a site of great spiritual importance for centuries and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. The Temple of Heaven and Earth consists of two main parts: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar. Both structures are surrounded by a series of smaller buildings, gardens and parks.
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the most important building in the Temple of Heaven and Earth. It was built in 1420 and is the largest wooden structure in the complex. The hall is a three-tiered building with a double-eaved roof. It is constructed in a circular shape and the eaves are decorated with blue, yellow and green glazed tiles. Inside the hall, there is a large altar where the emperor would come to pray for a good harvest.
Circular Mound Altar
The Circular Mound Altar is the second most important building in the Temple of Heaven and Earth. It was built in 1530 and is located south of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The altar is a three-tiered, circular platform surrounded by a wall. On the altar, the emperor would offer sacrifices to heaven and earth. The altar is also the site of the traditional Heaven Worship Ceremony, which was performed by the emperor on the winter solstice.
Other Buildings
In addition to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, there are several other buildings and structures in the Temple of Heaven and Earth. These include the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Hall of Abstinence, the Echo Wall and the Divine Music Administration. The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a circular building where the emperor would store his imperial seals. The Hall of Abstinence is where the emperor would fast and meditate before performing the Heaven Worship Ceremony. The Echo Wall is a curved wall that creates an acoustic effect, allowing sound to travel around the entire complex. The Divine Music Administration is where the music for the Heaven Worship Ceremony was rehearsed and performed.
Gardens and Parks
The Temple of Heaven and Earth is surrounded by several gardens and parks. These include the Garden of Plantain Trees, the Garden of the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Garden of Abstinence. The Garden of Plantain Trees is a large park filled with plantain trees and other plants. The Garden of the Imperial Vault of Heaven is a garden filled with flowers and plants that were believed to bring good luck. The Garden of Abstinence is a tranquil garden where the emperor would go to meditate before performing the Heaven Worship Ceremony.
Conclusion
The Temple of Heaven and Earth is a complex of religious buildings that has been a site of great spiritual importance for centuries. It consists of two main parts: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar. The Temple is also surrounded by several gardens and parks, and several other buildings and structures. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China and a must-see for anyone visiting Beijing.