The Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

It took us FOREVER to find this place - we walked for hours. We thought we'd found it when we happened upon a beautiful kite flying park. There was a building that looked like a temple at the end of it, so we walked at least half a mile to get there (and enjoyable walk with all the people and kites). However, upon arrival, we found out that it was just a very tall and very beautiful GATE! Why is everything so beautiful here? A girl can't find a temple when she's looking for it! :)

Anyway, we did find the temple eventually. It is nestled inside the temple of heaven park. Many locals were there walking, sitting with their lovers or exercising. Some even go there to practice musical instruments and dance. That was especially wonderful. because we got to watch. We walked the tree lined paths and explored the different parts of the park until we finally reached the temple.

one of the gates into the park

dragon ornamentation on the edge of the roof of a wall

looking out from the round altar

roof decoration at the imperial Vault of Heaven, near the Echo Wall

THE temple of Heaven, or the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Unfortunately, they closed the doors to the temple as we walked up, so we weren't able to go inside. However, we'd been inside some other buildings, so we'd probably seen a lot of the painting and detail that were inside this one as well. And, really, the most amazing aspect of this temple is the architectural design. it is a perfect circle with pillars that correspond perfectly with the seasons, months and Chinese lunar calendar.