Temple of Heaven

Beijing

"Temple of Heaven" is the usual name given in English for the Tian Tan ("Altar of Heaven") complex in Beijing, where emperors prayed and sacrificed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The most important structures - the Round Altar and Imperial Vault in the south, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the north, are connected by a long bridge along the axis. The photos in this chapter follow the axial plan from south to north.