Temple of Heaven

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Temple of Heaven is a place where the Ming emperors worshipped the heaven. Initially built in the 18th year of Yongle Period of the Ming Dynasty (1420), Temple of Heaven is the most complete existing ancient sacrificial building in China. By ingenious setting of construction and the environment, it creates a sacred, solemn and dignif ed atmosphere. Temple of Heaven mainly consists of Qinian Hall, Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and other constructions. Inner and outer altar walls, which are round in the north and round in the south, re f ect the ancients’ concept of the universe. Praying for good harvest, Qinian Hall constitutes the northern part of Temple of Heaven. Circular Mound Altar dedicated to “Haotian God” and Imperial Vault of Heaven for placing memorial tablets are in the south of Temple of Heaven. They are linked by Danbi Bridge so as to form the north-south axis throughout Temple of Heaven.

In ancient Chinese buildings, Latticework Star Gate symbolized high rank and grade, which was forbidden to be used by the common people. It shapes simply but elegantly . A lintel stands between the left and right columns (with two-window doors inside). Upper part of door window is installed with straight lattice (vertically arranged wooden lattice), from which light can pass. The lower part is a plate. Column is taller than gate head, and column head is covered with vase-shaped decoration. White marble latticework star gates are widely used in alter temples of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, decorated with cloud pattern, dragon pattern and gem pattern. Under its backdrop, the main building appears solemn and luxurious.

Circular Mound Altar is known as Alter Worshipping the Heaven and Sacri f ce Altar , which is three-layer circular white marble pedestal. In ceremonies of worshipping the Heaven, emperors must go on the highest layer of Circular Mound Altar and stand at the center for communication with the Heaven. So Circular Mound Altar should create a lofty art atmosphere to keep close to the sky and detach from the secular world. In order to strengthen the artistic effect, the ancient craftsmen designed the walls which were about 1 m high. Standing above the Circular Mound Altar, people watch low walls and feel that they stand high to keep close to the sky.

Worshipping the Heaven

“Worshipping the Heaven” prayed for good weather and good harvest. In ancient times, “Worshipping the Heaven” was a national ceremony as symbol of imperial power granted by the Heaven, which was chaired by the emperors in person.

The Architecture in the Ming and Qing Dynasty

The architectural structure and technology of the Ming and Qing Dynasties were basically shaped. But architectural decoration was often luxurious, so artistry of single construction declined. Combination of building clusters and creation of space atmosphere made remarkable achievements. This is re f ected in private gardens in the south, royal gardens in the north, Imperial Palace and Mausoleums in the north, layout of Beijing City and ordinary houses and villages in the south and north.