Tiantan Park (Temple of Heaven Park)
Tiantan Park is one of Beijing's largest and most interesting. Situated just southeast of Tian'anmen Square, it regularly draws crowds of tourists and Chinese alike. Its main feature is Qinian Hall, or Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. To its south are the Echo Wall, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar (Round Altar). Here are a few pictures of this majestic place.
Kelly in front of Qinian Hall.
A closer view of Qinian Hall.
The royal walk to the southern park of the park.
Echo Wall, which forms a nearly complete circle. If you lean toward the wall, you are supposed to be able to speak with people well around its periphery. Jinghua is clearly enjoying the experience—maybe someone on the other side is telling her a joke.
On the grounds of the Circular Mound Altar. Jinghua is eagerly straining to see forward, Kelly is consulting the Lonely Planet guide, and Guoshun is enjoying the whole experience.
Atop the Circular Mound Altar. The stone at the very center is a popular place to be photographed.
A smaller temple near the southern end of the park. Note the parasol, even though the sky was overcast.
Another temple near Qinian Hall. The men in yellow hats are Chinese tourists.