Tiantan, or in translation from Chinese the Temple of Heaven, is a huge ritual complex located in the very center of Beijing. The ensemble was built in the 15th century by the Ming Dynasty emperor Joo Di
The Temple of Heaven is presented in the form of three magnificent structures: the Altar of Heaven, the Pavilion of the Heavenly Vault and the Pavilion of the Harvest Prayers. The complex is located in a magnificently beautiful cypress grove, and the buildings are interconnected by the Sacred Road.
Altar of Heaven
The Altar of Heaven is the only cylindrical temple in Beijing. Twice a year, for the past five centuries, sacrifices are made here to the Spirit of Heaven and a good harvest is begged. The Altar of Heaven is presented in the form of a three-level circular terrace made of white marble slabs.
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Heavenly Vault Pavilion
In the Pavilion of the Heavenly Vault, built in 1530, the names of the ancestors of the imperial family are kept on tablets. The building is surrounded by a wall that reflects sounds in an amazing way, which is why it was named the Talking Wall. No matter how quietly a person speaks, all his words are heard even on the opposite side of the wall.
Harvest Prayer Pavilion
Built in 1420, but burned down by a lightning strike in 1889, it is now a circular structure with a three-tier roof. The roof, covered with azure tiles, is decorated with a gilded tower.
In addition, several service premises adjoin the Temple of Heaven complex: the Palace of Lent, the Pavilion of the Sacrifice of Animals for Sacrifice and the Office of Sacred Music, where the museum of musical instruments is now located. The Temple of Heaven is considered an outstanding monument of landscape art and architecture. Every year, thousands of tourists rush to Beijing to see this unique temple.