The Temple of Heaven

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The Temple of Heaven is China’s largest temple complex. It is located south of the Forbidden City and was also built by the Emperor Yongle. The temple was used to pray for good harvests, when the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would perform rites and sacrifices at each winter solstice.

The complex was formerly known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth. In a symbolic design, the park was designed to be square (representing earth) in the south, and rounded (representing Heaven) in the north.

Highlights of the Temple complex include the Circular Altar, the Hall of Abstinence, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven.

Next Page: The Summer Palace

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• Beijing - Activities and Attractions Overview
• The Forbidden City
• Tiananmen Square
• The Temple of Heaven
• The Summer Palace
• The Great Wall of China
• Other Beijing Sites