The first place we visited on our tour was the Temple of Heaven, which was developed during the Ming Dynasty in 1420. It was founded by Emperor Yongle, the same emperor who founded the Forbidden City. In the words of my Lonely Planet guide, the temple "originally functioned as a vast stage for solemn rites performed by the Son of Heaven, who came here to pray for good harvests, seek divine clearance, and atone for the sins of the people."
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
The temple is round because the Chinese at that time believed that heaven was round.
The temple has three tiers, the top one symbolizing heaven.
The geometry of this temple is based on the number 9, which they thought to be the most heavenly number. The top tier has 9 rings, each made up of muliples of 9 stones (9, 18, 27 and so on).
The Imperial Vault of Heaven
Sangho stands on the marble stairs in front of the gate (large building in the background)
The Echo Wall
A stone carving going up the middle of the steps
This tree has seen many things...
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Guys selling sweet potatoes just outside the Temple of Heaven
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