On May 14, President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, who was on a state visit to China, toured the Temple of Heaven. The two heads of state posed for a group photo at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Square.

On May 14, President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, who was on a state visit to China, toured the Temple of Heaven.

At the Temple of Heaven in early summer, ancient cypress trees stood gracefully, and a gentle breeze brought a refreshing atmosphere. Xi Jinping welcomed Trump upon his arrival at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Xi Jinping and Trump posed for a group photo in the spacious and bright Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Square.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests was grand and magnificent, with layered eaves gleaming in the sunlight. The two heads of state ascended the steps and entered the hall, jointly admiring the precise interlocking of mortise and tenon joints, as well as the architectural features that perfectly integrated astronomy, calendars, and the structure of the building, experiencing the philosophy of harmony among all things and alignment with heaven and timing.

Xi Jinping noted that in 2017, they toured the Forbidden City along Beijing’s central axis. Today’s visit to the Temple of Heaven, which is the same age as the Forbidden City, symbolizes the concept of “round heaven and square earth,” reflecting the Chinese worldview and philosophy of life. Ancient Chinese rulers held grand ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven to pray for national peace, good weather, and abundant harvests, embodying the traditional Chinese thought that the people are the foundation of the state, and when the foundation is secure, the state is stable. The Communist Party of China has inherited and developed this people-centered thought from Chinese civilization, consistently adhering to the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, thus gaining the people’s firm support and heartfelt endorsement.

Trump said that he still vividly remembers their visit to the Forbidden City years ago. Having stood for over 600 years, the Temple of Heaven remains majestic, showcasing China’s exquisite classical architectural art and profound traditional culture, which is truly admirable. Both the United States and China are great countries, and both peoples are great and wise. The two countries should deepen mutual understanding and enhance friendship between their peoples.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Yin Li participated in the above activities.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China, is a vast imperial complex built in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. It was used by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is renowned for its symbolic architecture, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent circular building located within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it was where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for bountiful harvests. Its triple-eaved, blue-tiled roof symbolizes heaven, and the structure is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and cosmology.

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Square

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Square is part of the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies to pray for bountiful harvests. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the square surrounds

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a vast imperial complex built in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests and divine favor. It is renowned for its symbolic architecture, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall, which reflect ancient Chinese cosmological principles. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular public park where locals practice tai chi and cultural activities.

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent circular building located within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China. Constructed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it was used by emperors to perform annual ceremonies praying for bountiful harvests. Its triple-eaved roof and intricate wooden structure, built without a single nail, symbolize the connection between heaven and earth.

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Square

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Square is part of the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the square surrounds the iconic circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where emperors historically performed annual ceremonies to pray for bountiful harvests. The site reflects ancient Chinese cosmology and architectural harmony, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, China, was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, constructed from 1406 to 1420. It served as the political and ceremonial center of Chinese government for nearly 500 years, and today it houses the Palace Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its vast complex of nearly 1,000 buildings and iconic red walls, it remains one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient Chinese palatial architecture.

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