The temple of Heaven, in virtue of the perfection of forms and popularity, became one of the symbols of Beijing.

Initially, the Temple of Heaven served as a universal: it was the place of prayer Storm, Clouds, Sky, Earth, etc. Subsequently, it was decided to split one big temple on slightly less. So, Temple of Heaven left on the outskirts of the city from the South. Round shape became a symbol of the heavenly powers.

The temple of Earth was erected on the outskirts of the North side, and its square shape became the personification of the forces of the Earth. It is in some sense related to the ancient beliefs about what heaven is round, earth is square. Only a small portion of the temple took under altars and buildings, and the rest of the area of the temple made Park.

The name of the temple Tiantan correctly translated as "Altar of the Sky". Its construction was completed in 1421, and the Imperial Palace. Once in the temple of the emperors brought the Sky gifts and earnestly prayed for the harvest.

The temple of Heaven stands at a small distance directly from the Imperial Palace. For five centuries in the days of the winter solstice, the Emperor, after three days of strict fasting, attending the temple, in order to bestow the Sky your generous gifts. Since ancient times it is believed that the Sky is worthy to speak only the emperors, having, according to local beliefs and traditions of divine origin — that's why only he is allowed to go to Heaven with a prayer for the prosperity of the country.

Unlike the yellow-and-red buildings of the Palace Museum in Beijing, where the dominant blue color, the form of the altar round – all these symbolize the Heavens, with which communicates the Emperor. The main buildings of the complex can be called Tsinandali (Reaping prayer), Huanzhou (Heavens to Betsy), Chzhaygun (Palace for being in the post), etc.

The temple Huancui includes the famous “Stone triple echo”. And “the Wall returning sound” is notable is this: no matter how softly you say to the wall, the person with the opposite of her distinctly hear every word.

The adjacent Park is an amazing place: come here early in the morning, you can watch the lovers of traditional gymnastics, and in the evening you can meet musicians, singers, the locals have fun at the games - from cards to badminton.