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Friday 29th - day 9
After the hectic few days we decide to just to to the temple of heaven today. we stop at Beijing train station first and book our datong tickets quite easily for Monday (Sunday was sold out) so we will have to extend our stay in Beijing a day, which isn't so bad seeing as we are going out Saturday.
The temple of heaven is located in large gardens and has the temple at the north end - which leads down to a smaller temple and the sacrifice circle at the south end. The temple where the emporer would Pray to heaven and his ancestors at the winter solstice. As the son of heaven, the emperor could intercede with the gods on behalf of the people and pray for a good harvest. The temple is decorated in the typical Chinese colours and paintings and the red pillars are covered in gold dragon patterns. The colour red is an imperial colour whilst the blue represents heaven. The ceiling inside is the most impressive part - a circular caisson ceiling (symbolising the sky) with a gilded dragon and phoenix at the centre (which represents the emperor and empress). The sacrifice circle consists of 3 marble tiers and a centre round alter where the sacrifices would be made. We get some touristy pictures which include yas touching the point at the top of the roof and me looking like Godzilla trying to eat the temple. A Chinese woman is literally crying laughing seeing me stood tree trying to 'eat' the temple.
We walk round the gardens and the south end of the park, the walkways are filled with local - mainly elderly Chinese playing board games. There's a few dance groups too.
We head back to the hostel and we all stay up late in our dorm talking with itay, kathrine, and Regina.
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