Buzz
The Temple of Heaven is one of the most spectacular ancient architectural feats in Beijing. When touring China, don’t miss this famous landmark!
In addition to other ancient sites, travelers to China also find the Temple of Heaven particularly captivating. This architectural masterpiece is a stunning example of royal architecture throughout China's history. It was once the sacred place where emperors prayed for a prosperous year. In 1998, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site.
The Temple of Heaven during the Ming Dynasty
During the early days of the Ming Dynasty, the capital was established in Nanjing. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang built the Temple of Heaven on Mount Zhongshan. In 1447, the Ming court moved the capital to Beijing and constructed the Temple of Heaven in the southeast corner of the Forbidden City. The tradition of praying to heaven continued for over 160 years, with the Temple eventually completed in the 16th century. Construction began in 1406 and was finished by 1420.
The Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was founded in 1644. They continued the Ming Dynasty's tradition of performing rituals at the Temple of Heaven. Under the reign of Emperor Qianlong, a major restoration and expansion were carried out. The palaces, halls, stages, towers, and walkways were all renovated.
The Temple of Heaven Destroyed
The Temple of Heaven suffered significant damage due to warfare. In August 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance troops invaded Beijing and occupied the Temple. Many of its relics were destroyed. Subsequent civil wars also caused further damage. However, large-scale restoration projects were undertaken after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 to preserve the Temple.
Architecture of the Temple of Heaven
Visitors to China will be astonished by the architecture of the Temple of Heaven. The Temple is distinguished by its precise structure, unique design, and magnificent decoration. This three-tiered, round building is roofed with green tiles, symbolizing the sky. Its architecture is based on the sacred number 9, a significant number in Chinese culture. Each tier of the Temple features wide eaves supported by large red columns, each representing a different season.
Ancient Chinese mythology believed that heaven was round and the earth was square. This belief is reflected in the design of the Temple of Heaven. The southern wall is constructed in a higher, semicircular shape, symbolizing heaven, while the northern wall is shorter and rectangular, symbolizing the earth.
Important Buildings
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the most magnificent structure in the Temple of Heaven. It is a 38-meter tall, three-tiered circular wooden building with a marble base. Ancient emperors prayed for bountiful harvests here. The hall is supported by 28 columns. Four large inner columns represent the four seasons, twelve middle columns stand for the twelve months, and twelve outer columns symbolize the twelve solar terms of the day.
The Hall of Imperial Zenith is smaller, featuring a round roof and a marble base. This is where the ancestral tablets for worshiping the gods are kept. Inside the main hall, columns and vaulted ceilings are decorated with beautiful paintings. The exterior features a circular wall that can carry sound over a great distance.
The Circular Altar (also known as the Altar of Heaven) is a round marble platform with three tiers. Lifelike dragons are carved into the stone to symbolize the emperors. The number 9, a symbol of power, appears in various forms, such as in the number of steps and railings. In ancient times, emperors would burn offerings to the heavens on this platform.
Today, the Temple of Heaven is divided into two parts: the park area and the tourist area. The park now serves as a place for recreation and morning exercises. Local residents often come here to exercise. Tourists visiting China can take a leisurely stroll through the park to experience the local way of life.
Source: Mytour.vn
***
Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnApril 15, 2024
