Round Altar

Temple of Heaven, Beijing

At the south end of the complex is a very large, triple-tiered round altar (closeup) where the emperor would make his sacrifices. The circular shape of the altar is symbolic of Heaven. It is seen here from the western end of the square platform, symbolic of Earth, on which it rests. The third level of the round altar is a bare platform, with a small marker in the center, now popular for tourist photos. Sacrificial equipment was moved there from other buildings for the duration of the ceremony.