Temple of Heaven - linking heaven and earth

Beijing is probably one of the most active cities in the world and is a fast paced, sprawling metropolis which has gained in popularity among travelers as a splendid tourist destination with many entertainment options. The CD Jazz Café is a great chill-out-spot in Beijing where good music and even better company can be found easily. If you're a lover of stage plays you can pay a visit to the Central Academy of Drama Theatre where local plays are staged regularly.

Located in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is one of the most significant historic sites in the country. Construction of this magnificent temple was overseen by Ming Emperor YongLe who was responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City as well. This structure was built as a venue where the relationship between heavenly beings and humans could be brought closer through offering sacrifices on its holy altars in order to please the gods and invokes blessings upon the people of the land.

The temple is home to several altars which had specific uses. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest was a 38m tall completely wooden chamber where the emperor himself prayed to the gods in order to attain a good harvest season. The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a similarly shaped enclosure which is surrounded by the Echo Wall. The Circular Mound Altar is another part of the temple where the emperor of China is thought to have prayed for favorable weather on behalf of his people. Acting as the god's messenger was considered a duty of the emperor according to ancient Taoist belief which explains why the emperor is the only one who is required to pray at these altars. The building is said to have been constructed according to the structural principles which date back to the pre Confucian era.

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