5200 x 3481 px | 44 x 29,5 cm | 17,3 x 11,6 inches | 300dpi
Aufnahmedatum:
2007
Ort:
Beijing People’s Republic of China
Weitere Informationen:
The dragon motif is an ancient Chinese symbol. Emperors ruled China from the dragon throne, carrying their mandate from heaven. The Temple of Heaven translates from the traditional Chinese Alter of Heaven天坛. It comprises of a complex of Taoist structures located in southeastern Beijing in the Xuanwu District. The concept of heaven worship in China actually pre-dates Taoism. The temple was used by emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties for particular ceremonies, most importantly the Winter Solstice) in order to pray for good harvest. Main structures were completed between 1406 and 1606 under the reign of Yongle who was also responsible for construction of the Forbidden City. During the 16th century under Emperor Jiajing it was extended and re-named the Temple of Heaven, then extended again by Qianlong in the 18th century. In 1998 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between 2005 and 2006 the place was ‘renovated’ in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Many features within the site signify the connection between heaven and earth, heaven being the circle and earth square. Every building within the temple is covered with dark blue roof tiles, which symbolize Heaven. Dragons often adorn ceilings and roof tiles to ward off evil forces.
