Temple of Heaven (天坛）

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I went to the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties went to pray for a good harvest. My host mother told me to walk from the South gate to the North gate because then I would feel like I was climbing to heaven. After going to heaven, I met up with Sloan at a fake meat restaurant! I had just met up with Ira a few days earlier... tEp is going to China this summer!

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Photos

Nine-Dragon Juniper
According the the sign, this tree is over 500 years old. The spiral grooves twist up "as if nine coiling dragons were wreathing up into the sky."

Circular Mound Altar
Where the emperors prayed for good weather.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven
Surrounded by the (huge) Echo Wall - a very smooth wall that reflects sound from one side to the other. I could hear some voices that seemed to come from nowhere!

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
The design contains many astronomical numbers and is the largest round wooden building from ancient China. Over nearly 500 years, 28 emperors held ceremonies to worship heaven here.

"Two Dragons over Mountains and Seas"
Stone carving on the stairway to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Inside the Hall
The sign said: The 28 pillars inside symbolize the 4 seasons, the 12 months of the year, the 12 time divisions of the day and night, and all the constellations.

History
Seen on the way to dinner with Sloan.

I can't believe it's not 肉！
They made this magical meat out of tofu, with fake fat and grease and all. We couldn't tell the difference.

Comments

[Jim]

so many teps!
it's sausage, isn't it? @@