Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing is China's most important imperial sacrificial complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998. Built between 1406 and 1420 under the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty – at the same time as the Forbidden City – it hosted the annual harvest prayers performed by Ming and Qing emperors at the winter solstice. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a triple-eaved round building with deep blue tiles on a white marble terrace, built without a single iron nail, embodies Chinese cosmology: round heaven set on a square earth. The Circular Mound Altar and Echo Wall complete the ensemble. Today the 273-hectare park hums with tai chi groups, retirees playing chess and families – imperial cosmology turned everyday park.