also here too crowded, do not visit during Chinese holidays!
dragon spouts drain the platform
the emperor did not have to climb, he was carried by sedan
the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest
and is used by the local opera choir for practice sessions
the West Annex Hall
a lofted roof on the Qinianmen Gate
the Qinianmen Gate
the Hall of Prayer in the Temple of Heaven
Not a single
nail was used to construct the wooden building which features a 3-tiered roof with shining blue glazed tiles.
The original round design
dates back to 1545 and symbolises Heaven, but the hall was destroyed by lighting in 1889, rebuild in the early 20th century
and revamped in 2005.
The Hall was used by the emperor to pray for a good harvest. There was a healthy dose of self-interest
here because well-fed citizens tend to revolt less.
Surrounding the Hall of Prayer are the Huangqian Hall to the north and
the East and West Annex pavilions.
To the south is the Qinianmen Gate which leads to the Vermilion Steps Bridge.
The
northern entrance is via the
Long Corridor which sports a nicely painted ceiling.
We were here in 1991
and in May 2004.
at the entrance
the Long Corridor has a nicely painted ceiling
unfortunately it was too crowded to have a look inside the Hall
the Huangqiang Hall where the emperor could rest and pray
the south gate to the Vermillion Steps Bridge
the East Annex to the left, the Qinianmen Gate to the right
