The biggest temple in China is set in a tranquil 273 hectare park. Temple of Heaven in Chongwenmen is a gargantuan complex of interconnected buildings. Built in 1420, it was designed as somewhere for monarchs to pray for good harvests.
The temple's layout symbolises the relationship between Earth and Heaven - the human world and God's world - which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship. Major structures include the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Circular Altar and the Palace of Abstinence.
The temple was endorsed as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in December 1998.
The temple was endorsed as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in December 1998.
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