Busy Fourth and Final Day in Beijing: Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is just through this gate

The fourth and final day in Beijing was packed full of adventure.  First stop:  the Temple of Heaven.

Lots of length of corridor to get there.

But, soon enough, there you are.  This is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests:

The Temple of Heaven is part of a foursome of temples dating back to the Ming Dynasty in the early 1400's.  It is located in southern Beijing.  It is a companion to the Temple of the Moon (in the west), the Temple of the Earth (in the north), and the Temple of the Sun (in the west).  The Temple of the Sun is located in Ritan Park, which I visited on Day One, and is not open to the public.
 

Let's have a look inside the Temple:

A look is all we can have, since we're not allowed inside:

Let's have a quick look at one of the side buildings:

Then a pleasant walk through the park where we find local ladies doing their morning exercises:

Next stop:  the Imperial Vault of Heaven:

Let's have a look inside:

Now it's off the Circular Mound of Heaven:

It's always good for a souvenir photo:

But the most popular spot for a souvenir photo is standing on the Circular Altar of Heaven itself:

Because it was stark stone, instead of colorful, it looked almost Roman to me.  Anyway, it's a busy day ahead, so it's time to leave.

Off to the day's next destination.