The Temple of Heaven. From the guidebook: "It was here that the emperor would make sacrifices and pray to heaven and his ancestors at the winter solstice. As the son of Heaven, the emperor could intercede with the gods on behalf of his people and pray for a good harvest. Off-limits to the common people in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the temple complex is now fully open to the public and attracts thousands of visitors daily, including many local Chinese who come to enjoy the large and pleasant park in which the monuments are set."
One thing I thought was lovely about the Chinese is their interest in their own history. Jason continued to remind me that there are a lot of people living in China and therefore most sights are packed with Chinese. We were easily, easily outnumbered wherever we went. I thought it was more than that though -- it was charming to see the young and old exploring what to some of the old had been off limits to them their entire lives.
One thing I thought was lovely about the Chinese is their interest in their own history. Jason continued to remind me that there are a lot of people living in China and therefore most sights are packed with Chinese. We were easily, easily outnumbered wherever we went. I thought it was more than that though -- it was charming to see the young and old exploring what to some of the old had been off limits to them their entire lives.
The hall of prayer for Good Harvests. The most striking fact about this hall is that it was constructed without the use of one single nail!
And the umbrella remains a fixture in my Asian/South East Asian life. I find it foolish at times, but heaven most of the time. Its my ow portable shade. :)
Jason is far braver than I in the sun!
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