TEMPLE OF HEAVEN: A PLACE OF JOYOUS RETIREMENT

Dating from about 1400, The Temple of Heaven (TianTan) is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It has been regarded as a Taoist temple, although Chinese Heaven worship, especially by the reigning monarch of the day, pre-dates Taoism. Today, the surroundings of the Temple of Heaven are now a very popular park for exercising, especially among the retired, who (frankly) all look like they are enjoying life, and one another.