Circular Mound Altar

temple, Beijing, China

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June 24, 2026

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The Circular Mound Altar is a significant part of the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China. Built in 1530 and later rebuilt in 1749, it is a triple-tiered white stone terrace. The altar is enclosed by two sets of walls, which are square on the outside and round on the inside, symbolizing the traditional Chinese belief that heaven is round and the earth is square. This structure, along with the Imperial Vault of Heaven, was designed to represent the geometric conception of heaven. The entire Temple of Heaven complex is considered a supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture and was designated a World Heritage site in 1998.12

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Beijing
Public and commercial buildings
…of the enclosure lies the Circular Mound Altar, built in 1530 and rebuilt in 1749. The triple-tiered white stone terrace is enclosed by two sets of walls that are square outside and round inside; thus, the whole structure forms an elaborate and integrated geometric pattern. The inner terrace is 16…
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…of the enclosure lies the Circular Mound Altar, built in 1530 and rebuilt in 1749. The triple-tiered white stone terrace is enclosed by two sets of walls that are square outside and round inside; thus, the whole structure forms an elaborate and integrated geometric pattern. The inner terrace is 16…
Read More

Temple of Heaven
The Circular Mound Altar (1530; rebuilt 1749) is a triple-tiered white stone terrace enclosed by two sets of walls that are square outside and round inside.
Read More
The Circular Mound Altar (1530; rebuilt 1749) is a triple-tiered white stone terrace enclosed by two sets of walls that are square outside and round inside.
Read More