This
amazing complex is a perfect fusion of art and architecture.
It was the most impressive imperial temple of the
Ming and Qing dynasties in China. The temple is actually
made from three separate parts. The northernmost part
is the Hall of Players for an Abundant Harvest (Qiuian
Dian [shown]). This building is over 110 feet tall
and 100 feet in diameter. Originally, its three roofs
were blue, yellow, and green. But in 1751 renovation,
they were all made blue -- to symbolize the color
of the sky, and make a political statement about the
unification of the country. The second section is
known as the Huangquiongyu -- a small circular building
which used to house the Tablets of Heaven and the
bodies of deceased emperors. The final part is the
Altar of Heaven. There are also a number of smaller
service buildings including the Zhai Gong, which was
used by the emperor before a sacrifice. Those sacrificial
animals lived within the temple complex, which is
surrounded by a four-mile-long wall. The temple exists
to pray to the Heaven (Air), then considered the dominant
one of the four elements (Earth, air, fire, water)
and it decided whether fortune would smile upon you
or not. Originally, the temple was nothing more than
a square mound and a circular mound built on orders
from Emperor Zhu Yuan-zhong and used for sacrifices
to earth and heaven. These functions were consolidated
into the Great Sacrifice Hall in 1377. The ancient
Chinese are well known for their mathematical prowess,
which they expressed through their architecture. The
number nine (9) has special significance because it
is the highest single-digit number, and was used to
represent both the sky and the Emperor. The uppermost
terrace of the Temple of Heaven is 90 zhang in diameter,
which is 3 (heaven) x 30. The second terrace is 150
zhang, representing 5 (man) x 30. And the bottom terrace
is 210 zhang, or 7 (earth) x 30. The number of flagstones
in the terraces are all multiples of nine, as are
the balustrades surrounding the terraces.
A
replica of the Hall of Players for an Abundant Harvest
(Qiuian Dian) has been built at Walt Disney World.
Click here to
see it.
