The Heart of Heaven Stone

The Heart of Heaven Stone

The upper terrace of the Circular Mound Altar is surrounded by nine concentric rings of paving stones, with the central circular stone slab known as the “Heart of Heaven Stone.” Around it are nine stones in the first outer ring, eighteen in the next, increasing by nine each time until the outermost ring of eighty-one stones — symbolizing the “Nine Heavens.” When a person stands on the Heart of Heaven Stone and speaks, their voice sounds particularly deep and resonant.

Temple of Heaven Park

Divine Music Administration

Imperial Vault of Heaven

Vermilion Steps Bridge

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Hall of Abstinence

Echo Wall of the Temple of Heaven

Echo Wall of the Temple of Heaven

Lingxing Gate of the Temple of Heaven

Ruins of the Circular Mound Altar

Fire Sacrificial Furnace

Beacon Tower

Seventy-two Corridors

Gate of Sixty Years