Temple of Heaven -- Beijing, China

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a refreshing break from the crowds and busy lifestyle that permeates the rest of Beijing. You'll see the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and listen to the physics experiment known as the Echo Wall.

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$It is said that when you stand at the center of the Cicular Mound Altar on the Heavenly Center Stone and make a wish, it will come true. It wasn't really crowded, but there was a constant flow of people ready to stand on the center, get their picture taken, and presumably make a wish.\n\nAlso note the concentric slabs surrounding the center stone - there is a ring of 9, then 18, then 27... all the way out to 81. Nine was an important number in ancient China. Here it is refering to the 9 heavens. Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China.\n\nIt wasn't here, but on a different subtour one of my guides explained that the number 9 was so important because it was the largest number. I asked, "haven't you ever heard of 10 or 11? They are even bigger." Tour guides don't get American humor very well.$ 04-temple-of-heaven	05-temple-of-heaven	06-temple-of-heaven
07-temple-of-heaven	08-temple-of-heaven	$Entrance to the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The circular wall around it is called the Echo Wall. You can stand on one side of the inner wall, your friend can stand on the other side. You talk facing the wall at a normal volume. Even though you are separated by a decent distance and 2 buildings, you can hear each other perfectly!! Try it when you get there!\n\nTemple of Heaven, Beijing, China.$ 09-temple-of-heaven
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