Carrying the Mandate of Heaven…
From the first millennium BC, Chinese rulers were expected to administer earthly matters on behalf of a heavenly authority, paying their respects through sacrifice. The altar for such practices was originally perceived to be Mount Tai, though later this costly pilgrimage was replaced by man-made alternatives. The consensus was that if the emperor was righteous and people prospered he could retain power. If there were poor harvests, famine or war he would eventually lose this right.
The Temple of Heaven which dominates the south-east of Beijing was constructed from 1406-20 at the same time as the Forbidden City under the reign of Emperor Yongle. It has experienced a series of face lifts, the most recent of which was completed in 2006 at a cost of six million dollars.
Three main circular structures run from north to south in accordance with strict philosophical requirements. The triple gabled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest stands on a three tied marble base to the north. A raised walkway runs south to the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The Vault served as storehouse for the spirit tablet of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and other lesser gods. It is surrounded by a smooth circular Echo Wall. The third structure to the south of this is the Circular Mound Altar, an empty marble platform where the emperor would pray. The central stone of the Altar was considered the most sacred spot in the Chinese empire. Twice a year, most importantly during the winter solstice, the emperor would join a procession to the temple. The spirit tablet would be moved to the Altar of Heaven and sacrifices made. The smallest of mistakes were considered a bad omen. Throughout the complex, earth is manifested through square forms and heaven by circular structures and blue tiles. In 1998 The Temple of Heaven was made a UNESCO World Heritage site.