Beijing is one of the most visited capitals of the world. Interest is primarily due to cultural traditions, centuries of development, as well as natural and architectural monuments kept by local residents in virtually untouched form. Coming to the memorials tourists always have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere that reigned here many centuries ago. The Temple of Heaven, as one of the main attractions of Beijing , is known to everyone who has been fortunate enough to visit the city.
Heavenly Temple in China. Meaning and symbols
Initially, this majestic structure was to become a temple on the territory of which molebens in honor of the earth and the sky would be held. Before its erection, the Chinese architects conducted a careful calculation, so that each stone, which formed its basis, served certain purposes. For example, the Altar of Heaven or Huanciu, is constructed in such a way that the number of marble slabs, of which it consists, is a multiple of nine. It is this number that is sacred in China, which brings luck and symbolizes the unity of heavenly and earthly forces. After the work of all calculations, in 1429 the Temple of Heaven or, as it is now called, Tiantan, was erected. Four and a half centuries later, after this date, part of the building, namely, the Hall of Reaping Prayers, was destroyed by fire from lightning, but restorers managed to restore its former appearance.
Each corner of the Heavenly Temple was provided with a special meaning by the designers. The gates are on four sides, symbolizing the elements, 4 columns of 28 in the Hall of Prayer Victims are dedicated to the same forces. Another 12 columns of the middle and outer rows mean the months of the year and the daily time, respectively. All together, the columns are symbols of the constellations.
The temple itself on one side has a rounded shape, and on the other it is part of the square. Thus, the intention was to emphasize the forces of the sky and the earth element, respectively.
Chinese Temple of Heaven today
Today, the Temple of Heaven in China is not just a building for holding sacraments. This is a whole complex, which includes several temple buildings, a royal garden and numerous buildings that served different purposes. Noncultural buildings include the Longevity Gazebo, the Danba Bridge, and others.
The total area of the temple is almost 3 km2, it is surrounded by two walls.
Of particular interest to tourists are constructions with unique acoustic effects. Thus, the Altar of Heaven, located in the southernmost part of the complex, has a special area. Prayers, which in due time were uttered here by the emperors in a low voice, intensified several times, producing an impressive effect.
Another interesting construction is the Pavilion of the Celestial Vault, surrounded by a high 6-meter wall. On the way to it are located stones, near which, due to the unique location, you can hear the echo: 1, 2 and 3-fold.
Not all interior rooms of temple structures are available for tourists to visit, but a unique style and identity
Where is the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and how to get to it?
The Temple of Heaven is located on the outskirts of the Chinese capital in the southern part of it. This area of the city is called Chongwen.
Since the Temple of Heaven is located at a distance of 4 km from the center of Beijing, it will be much easier to get to it by taking the metro. The subway stop is called Tiantang Dongmen, it is located on the fifth subway line. Going to the temple on the subway, you will find yourself from the Eastern Gate. Do not forget also about the rules of visiting holy places .
For tourists, the Temple of Heaven is open from 9.00 to 16.00.