Beijing Opera performers
During the performance
Beijing Opera performers |
During the performance |
The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 by Ming Emperor Yongle. The temple was used during the winter and summer solstices, when the Emperor prayed for a good harvest and conducted imperial sacrifices. The temple is surrounded by a very popular park where people come to exercise, sing chinese opera and play instruments, read or display their caged songbirds. We saw an artist practicing his calligraphy with a large brush and water, instead of ink. The water froze the minute it touched the ground, preserving his writing.
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 This building is surrounded by an Echo Wall -- you speak into the wall at one place and the sound travels around and can be heard clearly against the wall on the other side of the courtyard. |
 Hall for Prayer for Good Harvests (Qiniandian) |
