Published on: 2026-05-15
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On May 14, CPC Chairman Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived in China on a state visit, visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
The Temple of Heaven, located in the southern part of the central axis of Beijing, occupies an area approximately four times larger than that of the Forbidden City. This imperial sacrificial altar, with a history of more than 600 years, represents the largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complex in the world, intended for worshiping Heaven.
Symphony of history and nature
In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2024, after the successful inclusion of the “Central Axis of Beijing” in the World Heritage List, the Temple of Heaven, being one of the 15 key components of this heritage, once again confirmed its important place in the traditional planning system of China’s capital.
The Temple Complex of Heaven includes the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests of Qinian Dian, the Huanqiu Altar for prayers to Heaven, the Hall of the Heavenly Vault Huanqiu, the Palace of Restraint Chaigun, the Hall of Sacred Music Shenyueshu, and other structures. The complex’s grounds have a circular shape in the north and a square shape in the south, reflecting the ancient concept of the round heaven and square earth. Located in the northern part of the complex, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests of Qinian Dian was originally used as a place for conducting ceremonies of prayer for rich harvests (in the first month of the lunar calendar), the prosperity of the state, and peace for the people.The southern altar of Huangqiu was a place for sacrifices to Heaven on the day of the winter solstice. The northern and southern parts of the complex are connected by the Danbi Bridge, forming an architectural axis about 1200 meters long.
On the central axis of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is perceived as the main symbol of the political life of the state, while the Temple of Heaven embodies traditional Chinese culture, reflecting the centuries-old reflections of the Chinese people about Heaven and Earth. Its location, layout, and functions reflect the idea of the unity of Heaven and Man, which lies at the foundation of traditional Chinese culture.
Temple of Heaven is not only the pinnacle of architectural art, but also a real ecological treasure trove. It contains the largest number of centuries-old trees within the urban boundary of Beijing — a total of 3,562 trees. More than a thousand of them belong to the ancient category I trees, meaning they are over 300 years old. This accounts for approximately one-third of all such trees throughout Beijing.
Former U.S. Secretary of State, longtime friend of the Chinese people Henry Kissinger once remarked: “America can reproduce the architecture of the Temple of Heaven, but how can we, with our history of less than 200 years, recreate 600-year-old trees?”
This majestic architectural complex embodies the aspirations of ancient Chinese emperors for favorable weather and harvest, and reverence for the immortal philosophical idea of the unity of Heaven and man, as well as the spiritual image of Chinese civilization, which for millennia has preserved continuity and vital force.
Heaven Temple and Chinese-American Relations
The charm of the Temple of Heaven has long surpassed national borders. It is not only a jewel in the crown of the world’s cultural heritage but also a bridge for intercultural dialogue, wounding the memory of the long history of friendly exchanges between China and the USA.
In 1975, Gerald Ford, who at that time was the Vice President of the USA, during his five-day visit to China, specially visited the Temple of Heaven. He highly appreciated the beauty of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and, together with his wife, whispered negotiations by the “Wall that Returns Sound.”
Henry Kissinger felt a special attachment to the Temple of Heaven. During his lifetime, he visited China more than 100 times, and he visited the Temple of Heaven 15 times in total. Kissinger candidly admitted more than once: “I love this place.” During his first visit to the Temple of Heaven in 1971, he inspected the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar, showing keen interest in each of them. In 2008, he visited the Temple of Heaven again with his family.
In April 2004, during a visit to China, Lynn Cheney – the wife of Dick Cheney, who at that time held the post of Vice President of the USA – was also enchanted by the peaceful and pleasant atmosphere of the Temple of Heaven park. She leisurely walked through the covered gallery, lingered by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and occasionally asked the tour guide questions.
As Chinese-American cultural exchanges deepen, more and more Americans are gradually learning about the Temple of Heaven. At the beginning of 2025, a video widely spread on social networks showed American children singing the song “Desire Comes True” in Chinese, standing in front of the Qinian Hall — the video gathered over a million likes. This song was performed by the children’s choir One Voice from the American state of Utah. The voices of the children overcame cultural barriers between the West and the East, crossed the ocean, elicited a response, and built a bridge of friendship.
The Temple of Heaven with its centuries-old history continues to serve as a witness to a new chapter in the dialogue and exchange between China and the USA.
Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.