China October 2001

Monday 8th October

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Temple of Heaven

This is considered to be the symbol of Beijing. It is set in its own park of 267 hectares and was the site for solemn rites and rituals for more than 5 centuries.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

It was constructed in 1420 to be the prime meeting point between Heaven and Earth. This is symbolised by its basic layout. Heaven was considered round and the Earth square. Round temples and alters stand on square bases while the whole park is designed as a semi-circle sitting above a square.
The Round Altar
Looking from the Round Altar to the Imperial Vault	Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall
	A man playing a traditional instrument along a corridor leading to the East gate.