北京旅游景点简单口语对话(天坛)Temple_of_Heaven.ppt

Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is four times the size of the Forbidden City. Traditionally, this temple was for imperial use only, however, today it is a public park. It is one of the largest parks in Beijing. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420,and was rebuilt in 1890 after being destroyed by lightening. Temple of Heaven It was the place where the emperors worshipped the Heaven and prayed for good harvests. There are three main structures of most important historical interest in this park on one axis. From the south , the first one is called the Circular Mound Altar, the second is called the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The last one is called the Hall of Prayer for good harvest. The Circular Mound Altar The Circular Mound Altar outside wall is square, whereas the inside wall is round.The square wall represents the Earth, and the round one, the Heaven. Legend has it that the Heaven is round and the Earth is square. The emperors visited the temple three times a year. On the 8th day of the first lunar month to pray for a good harvest; during the Summer solstice to pray for rain; and during Winter solstice to give thanks for a good harvest. Imperial Vault of Heaven is for storing the table of god of Heaven, which was taken to the Alter on the occasion of ceremonies. Three Echo Stones A handclap over the first stone produces a single echo, a handclap on the second stone, a double echo and a handclap on the third one, a triple echo. Echo Wall The Imperial Vault of Heaven is better known for the wall that surrounds it. This wall is called ”Echo Wall”. To be the most effective, a couple of conditions must exist. First, the courtyard can not be too noisy. Echo Wall Tow, both people must face north, so it is better to stand by the wall at the back of the two side chambers. The entrance of the courtyard prevents the voices from being heard by others. The Hall of Prayer for Harvest In the Ming and Qing dynasties only the emperors could enter this temple to w