A PLACE, A STORY / Beijing
Temple of Heaven
Circular roofs and open ceremonial spaces express old ideas about heaven and earth. Follow a curve, then see how the view changes.
© xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Resized and compressed. · Original source · License
© xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Resized and compressed. · Original source · License
The Temple of Heaven was a place where Ming and Qing emperors offered ceremonies to Heaven and prayed for good harvests. Its arrangement of halls, altars and open space expresses ideas about the relationship between heaven and earth. The circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests gives those ideas a memorable shape.
A future visit can leave space for both architecture and conversation. Follow the curve of a roof with your eyes, then notice how the paths and surrounding trees change the view. With a friend, you might talk about places that have made you feel small, calm or curious. There is room for more than one kind of wonder.
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Before travelling, check current access, opening times and entry requirements with the relevant official sources.
