The Temple of Heaven, also known as the Altar of Heaven, is a complex of religious buildings located in the southeastern part of Beijing, China. It was originally constructed in 1420 during the Ming dynasty and expanded during the Qing dynasty. The complex served as the site of imperial ceremonies and sacrifices offered by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to Heaven.
The Temple of Heaven covers an area of approximately 273 hectares and consists of three main groups of constructions: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the most famous and impressive structure in the complex. It is a circular building with a triple-eaved roof covered with blue glazed tiles, and stands on a three-tiered marble terrace.
The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a smaller circular building located to the south of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It is surrounded by a smooth, circular wall called the Echo Wall. Visitors can stand on opposite sides of the wall and hear each other's whispers clearly due to the way the wall is designed.
The Circular Mound Altar is located south of the Imperial Vault of Heaven and is surrounded by a round wall. It is made up of three circular platforms of white marble, each one smaller than the one below it. The emperor would stand on the top platform to offer prayers and sacrifices to Heaven.
The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing. It is considered a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design, representing the pinnacle of traditional Chinese architectural and artistic achievement. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.