TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, Circular Mound Altar Part I

The Zhaoheng Gate takes you into a large square surrounded by a low, square wall and then by another round wall, representing heaven and earth, at the center of which you can see the Circular Mound Altar. This is the actual temple of the complex, and as you can see, it is a circular platform on three marble levels, with railings decorated with richly carved dragons.

It was built in 1530 by Emperor Jiajing of the Ming dynasty, and expanded in 1749 by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing dynasty.

The terrace was initially covered by deep blue glass tiles, surrounded by a white marble balustrade. It has a circumference of 534 meters, and is just over 5 meters high.

The altar was especially used for ceremonies to invoke rain in times of drought. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, from 1368 to 1911, the emperors came here to offer animals, especially bulls, as a sacrifice to Heaven on the day of the Winter Solstice....