China Politics | CPC News| Foreign Affairs | World | Opinion| Business | China Military | Society | Life & Culture | Travel | Sports | Science | Education | Photo | Tibet Online | Special Coverage

English >> Life & Culture

Heritage through lenses-The Temple of Heaven (8)

（Chinadaily.com.cn）  13:37, June 08, 2013  

Located to the south of the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Circular Mound Altar is a circular platform to offer sacrifice to heaven. It consists of three circular platforms of white marble, decreasing in diameter.There are 360 pillars in the balustrades, representing the 360 days of the ancient Chinese lunar year. The numbers of various elements of the Altar, including its balusters and steps, are either the sacred number nine or its nonuples.The imperial throne is supposed to be set up in the centre of the uppermost platform, symbolizing the role of the Emperor as the Son of Heaven and hence the mediator between Heaven and Earth. (Chinadaily.com.cn/Jia Yue)

Hot News We Recommend
* Ten strange medical museums in world * Models shine at Xinjiang int'l auto show
* Fabulous sculptures around world * Wonderful sceneries around world
* Funny and weird ways to dress pets * Seven Star Crags in China's Guangdong
* Beautiful scenery of Xisha Islands * Animation studio opens doors
* Highlights of 2013 French Open * Captivating Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, SE China

【1】 【2】 【3】 【4】 【5】 【6】 【7】 【8】 【9】 【10】
【11】 【12】

（Editor：DuMingming、Ye Xin）

Photos

Related Reading

Leave your comment

Name:  

Selection for you