Circular Mound Altar, Religious ceremonial altar at Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China.
The Circular Mound Altar consists of three white marble terraces with a total of 3,402 stone slabs arranged in concentric circles.
Built in 1530 during the Ming Dynasty and enlarged in 1749 under the Qing Dynasty, this altar served as the emperors' site for winter solstice ceremonies.
The design incorporates the number nine throughout its architecture, with multiple staircases of nine steps each, reflecting Chinese imperial numerology.
Visitors can access the altar through four entrance points on each terrace level, with the upper platform measuring 30 meters in diameter.
The marble structure creates an acoustic effect where sounds made at the center of the top terrace produce distinct echoes due to the stone arrangement.
Location: Beijing
Part of: Temple of Heaven
GPS coordinates: 39.88224,116.40647
Latest update: March 3, 2025 16:28
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