Temple of Heaven

You asked for it, you got it. Here's some pictures from China. But the fun won't stop here! This is only part 1! I took over 700 pictures, nearly all of which were decent, and most of which were fairly unique from the others. Hence the 2 week delay. These pictures represent only day 1. I will get to the rest of the trip in the not-too-distant future, but this is as many as I could do at one time. I do (sort of) have a life, folks.

I apologize for the sort of shoddy explanations. At the time you're sure you'll remember everything forever, but when you actually look at the pictures, it's hard enough to even identify them.

The first site on our tour was the Temple of Heaven.


A magnificent long walkway near the Temple of Heaven.


Tai chi devotees outside the Temple of Heaven.


At the Temple of Heaven, there was a large dais near the entrance where the emperor would purify himself (I think). No one except the emperor was allowed at the center (I think). You can see the dais in the picture behind the gates. It was enclosed in a square courtyard with square gates. The reason behind this is that the ancient Chinese believed that the Earth was square and the Heavens were round. Therefore spiritual places were often modeled after circles within squares (I think).


Stairs leading up to the dais.


This spot in the center used to be reserved for the emporer only. Now they let anyone pose for photo ops. FYI: Chinese kids are very cute, but not quite as cute as Japanese kids.


Looking down from the rear of the dais.


Another building at the Temple of Heaven. I'm sure it had a name.


Here we are in front of another building at the temple of heaven. Friends at home: yes, I have gained 20 lbs. But doesn't my mom look great? She's lost 60(?) lbs.


You can just see the center of the Temple of Heaven through this archway.


The very center of the Temple of Heaven.


Cypress forest outside of the Temple of Heaven.