Temple of the Sun, Ming Dynasty temple in Chaowai, Beijing, China
The Temple of the Sun is a Ming Dynasty site in Beijing featuring a square marble platform covered with red bricks and surrounded by a red wall with green-tiled roof elements. Four staircases lead up to this elevated platform, which forms the ceremonial heart of the complex.
The site was built in 1530 under Emperor Jiajing and served as a venue for imperial ceremonies honoring the sun god. Ming and Qing emperors used the temple over centuries to perform these sacred rituals.
The site served as one of Beijing's five imperial worship centers, where the emperor performed ceremonies honoring the sun as a divine force. This practice reflected the ruler's role as a bridge between heaven and earth in Chinese cosmology.
The temple is located near Yong'anli subway station on Line 1 and functions as a public park today. Visitors can walk through the grounds and access various pathways and open areas without restrictions.
The Court Dress Palace, a rectangular building near a lake, was where emperors changed their garments before performing rituals. Its red facade reflects in the water, creating a striking visual connection between the structure and its surroundings.
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