Welcome to the Temple of Heaven

This is a temple complex in the southeastern part of Beijing.  It was built so the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties could do annual ceremonies “to Heaven” for a good harvest. 

Today it is a major tourist attraction in the city

Just click on a picture to see larger view and get a slideshow

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  • Literal name Alter of Heaven
  • Built from `1406 to 1420
  • Built by Emperor Yongle who also built the Forbidden City
  • 1.05 Square miles
  • Became park and open to the public in 1918
  • Became UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998

Temple of Heaven