Excursions in China: Temple of Heaven
For a different insight into Chinese religion and history, a popular place to visit is the Temple of Heaven.
Temple of Heaven
Beijing, China
For a different insight into Chinese religion and history, a popular place to visit is the Temple of Heaven.
Set in a 267 hectare park, its original function was to provide a vast stage for the Emperor who came to pray for good harvests, atonement for the sins of his people and to seek divine clearance from the gods.
The temple includes a 65 metre 'Echo Wall' designed in such a fashion that a whisper is able travel from one end to the other, the 'Triple Echo Stones' designed to affect certain acoustics, and the 'Round Stone Altar' designed to boost the emperor’s voice to over 9 times its normal volume.
More about Beijing, China