Temple of Heaven

Another of Beijing's big three wonders of Ming architechture is the Temple of Heaven park. I wish I had seen this first. Though it is an incredible place, it seems less outstanding after seeing the summer palace, though I really don't want to downplay its majesty.

This confusian temple was where the emperor came to pray for good harvests. First he locked himself in his non-pleasure palace. Here he could avoid the royal vices such as concubines, alcohol, sweets, and extravagent meals. After the emperor's cleansing fast, an animal (an ox, I believe) was sacraficed before the prayer ritual.

Though the park is filled with quaint place, ornate pagodas, and other neat buildings, the main draw is the centerpiece, the aptly named Temple for the Prayer for Good Harvests. This massive round temple, 100ft tall, is one fo the main symbols of Beijing and a highlight of Nixon's famous China visit. The towering structure was atonishingly built without nails or vement. The ceilings have paintings worthy of Rome and towering gold columns that shoot all the way to the domed top. It is another can't miss site.