Temple of Heaven | 天坛: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

Postcard

The Temple of Heaven in the southern part of Beijing is China's largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings.

Built in 1420, the complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. The principle buildings include the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Circular Mound Altar.

The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO WHS site.

 

Stamps

(left) Xinjiang Ground Jay

(right) The stamp is one out of a set of eight stamps about fish that live only in the South China Sea.