5200 x 3457 px | 44 x 29,3 cm | 17,3 x 11,5 inches | 300dpi
Aufnahmedatum:
September 2004
Ort:
Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
Weitere Informationen:
The Temple, located in South East Beijing is loosely referred to as ‘Taoist’, but actually Chinese Heaven worship pre-dates Taoism. It was constructed from 1406-20 at the same time as the Forbidden City under Emperor Yongle, though was extended and named the Temple of Heaven in the mid 16th century under the Jiajing emperor. In the 18th century it was again given a facelift by Emperor Qianlong. The grounds cover 2.73 km. Three main structures run from north to south in accordance with strict philosophical requirements. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest sits in the far north on a marble three tiered base. It is a triple- gabled circular wooden structure. No nails were used in its construction. In the late 1890’s it is said to have burned down due to a lightening strike. The Vermillion Steps Bridge, a 360 meter long raised walkway runs south from here to the Imperial Vault of Heaven. A smooth circular Echo Wall surrounds the vault. The third and final structure of importance is the Circular Mound Altar, south of the vault. This is an empty marble platform where the emperor would actually pray, initially constructed by the Jiajing Emperor in 1530, and then re-built in 1740. Earth is represented by a square and heaven a circle, and these two shapes interact throughout the complex. The outer wall is taller, and semi circular in the north to represent heaven. In the south it is short and rectangular symbolizing earth. All three main structures are round, standing in square yards. The number nine represents the emperor, and can be seen most closely on the Circular mound Altar. Blue tiled roofs symbolise Heaven. The Hall to Prayer for Good Harvests has four inner pillars, twelve middle and twelve outer, representing the four seasons, twelve months and Chinese hours respectively. In 1998 it was made a UNESCO world Heritage Site and in early 2005, began a 6 million dollar facelift in preparations for the summer Olympics. Gleaming restorations were complete in May 2006.
