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The Temple of Heaven has been built in the 18th year of the Ming Dynasty in 1420. The place is popular for its magnificence. With structures that appear glorious and dignified, it sets off an ambiance that is respectful and solemn. During the ancient days, the Qing and Ming's emperors considered the Temple of Heaven as a sacred place of worship.
In the Temple of Heaven, people are found worshiping Heaven to ask for a productive harvest. Many tourists notice that the southern part of the square, is square and the northern part is circular. It is believed that the square represents the earth and the circle represents heaven. This geometrical pattern can best be described as the symbolism of harmony between heaven and earth. Some of the most important and well-known constructions inside the temple are the Imperial Heaven, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, The Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall. There are other constructions that tourists can visit to enjoy the scenic views with their own historical backgrounds. Tourist guides will be able to tell the stories about each place during a detailed tour of the temple of heaven. The Vermilion Steps Bridge or the Sacred Way is a wide bridge which connects all the buildings in the Temple of Heaven. The southern end of the bridge is lower than the northern end. This path was believed, by many of the ancient emperors, to be the Sacred Path to Heaven. A tour to the Temple of Heaven is not complete if visitors do not get to experience the four famous sounds heard within its surroundings. These are the echoes from the Echo Wall, the sound from the Dialogue Stone, the repetitive sounds of the Triple Sound Stone and the hollow sound of the Heaven's Center Stone. The Temple of Heaven has been named by the United Nations as one of the greatest world heritages. Over the years, it also remained as one of China's most "treasured ancient architecture". Up to this day, it is considered as the biggest architectural complex ever built devoted to heavenly worship. |
