Sandra Bornstein

  • Home
  • Meet Sandy
  • 100 Things Boulder
  • For Readers
  • For Partners
  • For Glio
You are here: Home / Worldwide Travel / Asia / What You’ll See at the Temple of Heaven

What You’ll See at the Temple of Heaven

August 17, 2015 By Sandra Bornstein Leave a Comment

Share
Tweet
Share

DSC01685Toward the end of our stay in Beijing, we had a memorable visit to the Temple of Heaven. All of the buildings I visited were originally built in 1420. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Chinese emperors would worship Heaven at this site. They would offer sacrifices to pray for good harvests and plentiful rains.

On the North side, the wall was built in a semi-circle. On the south side it was built in a square. Its layout symbolizes the belief that heaven is round and the Earth is square. The entire area is approximately 273 hectares.

Park at the Temple of Heaven

DSC01698
On the way to the Temple of Heaven

On the way to the Temple of Heaven, we walked through a parklike setting.

DSC01660
Chinese people exercising in park

Small groups of retired people were actively engaged in simple exercises while others were playing a game that resembled badminton without a net. Most of these people were dressed in contemporary clothing.

Long Corridor

DSC01666
The Long Corridor

Next, we walked next to the Long Corridor. It is 5 meters wide and 350 meters long. It has 72 rooms that share the same back wall. This covered passage way connects the former Animal Killing Pavilion, the Divine Kitchen, and the Divine Warehouse. Sitting in this passageway were groups of older people playing card games and checkers, knitting, and strumming musical instruments. These people wore a mixture of traditional monochromatic Chinese clothing and western attire.

DSC01673
Performers in the Long Corridor at the Temple of Heaven

This modern usage of the space is in sharp contrast to the corridor’s original purpose. During the evening prior to the sacrificial ceremonies, this corridor was illuminated with lanterns. Goods such as jade, silk, grain, and fruit were transported along the walkway with a final destination as offerings on the altar.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The original building was rectangular in shape and was used to worship both Heaven and Earth. In 1545, the building was transformed into a round hall with a triple eave glazed tile roof. The roof tiles of blue, yellow, and green symbolized Heaven, Earth and the mortal world.

DSC01680
Steps leading up to The Temple of Heaven

Another remodeling took place in 1751 when it was surmounted by a triple roof that had azure tiles. At this point in time, the hall was used exclusively to pray for good harvests.

DSC_0394
Inside The Temple of Heaven

The building is supported by pillars that symbolizd the four seasons, the 12 months of the year, the 12 time divisions of day and night, and the constellations. Crowds gathered to get a glimpse of the red and gold interior. Since the opening was small, short people were at a disadvantage. The above photo was taken by my tall husband. This snapshot provided my only opportunity to see inside.

This Temple of Heaven represents the only remaining example of the Mingdang architectural style. This architectural style is stunning.

Standing at the top of the stairs, I glanced back and took this photo.

DSC01686
View from the Platform of the Temple of Heaven

West Annex Hall and East Annex Hall

On both sides of the temple were long buildings. Originally these two structures had two rows of halls. In 1751, Emperor Qianlong removed the rear halls because he felt it caused a “disorderly arrangement”. Thereafter the front hall functioned as a place to house and worship the divine tablets of attendant gods.

DSC01696
East Annex Hall                                                                                  The Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a tourist attraction that should not be missed. This historic place takes you back to a time when emperors felt that their sacrifices would affect the course of life on Earth. Today, modern Chinese citizens take delight in the serene atmosphere and parklike setting.

Related Posts

Historic Beijing
A Must See- The Great Wall-Juyongguan Pass
Before You Visit Tianjin, Read This
What Cruisers Should Know About Multiple Days in Tianjin
Options for Multiple Days in Ports
Half Day Tour Busan
Strolling Nagasaki
Half day in Taipei
Pre Cruise Exploration- Hong Kong

Sandra’s Bio

Sandra Bornstein is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. It is available on Amazon. Sandra’s memoir highlights her living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. She is a licensed Colorado teacher who has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses. Sandra is married and has four adult sons. The memoir was a finalist in the Travel category for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2013 International Book Awards, the 2013 National Indie Book Excellence Awards, the 2013 USA Best Book Awards, and received an Honorable Mention award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category for the 2013 Global ebook Awards.

Filed Under: Asia, Worldwide Travel Tagged With: Beijing China top tourist attractions, Chinese buildings built during 15th century, example of Minding architecture in China, hangout for retired people in Beijing, retirement in China, The Temple of Heaven

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

You can purchase here.

Purchase on Amazon


Newsletter

Genres

Most Recent

100 Things Boulder Receives NATJA Honorable Mention Award

Sandy Bornstein Promotes 100 Things Boulder at Denver Travel & Adventure Show

The Traveling Bornsteins’ Motto for 2022: Keep Moving-No Regrets

Recapping 2022 Events: 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die

How Skiing and Travel Have Enriched Ira’s Glioblastoma Journey







Connect with Sandra

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on LinkedInFollow Us on E-mailFollow Us on Goodreads

© 2012-2023 Sandra Bornstein | All Rights Reserved