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Imperial Vault of Heaven
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Imperial Vault of Heaven

temple, Beijing, China
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The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a circular building within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing, China. Constructed in 1530 and rebuilt in 1752, it stands approximately 65 feet (20 meters) high and 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter. This structure is notable for its dome, which is supported by intricate span work and was built without the use of crossbeams. The building's decorative paintings have retained their original vibrant colors. The Imperial Vault of Heaven, along with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, are all aligned in a straight line and symbolize the traditional Chinese belief that heaven is round and the Earth is square.12

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Temple of Heaven
  2. 25 Must-See Buildings in China - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
  3. Beijing - Public and commercial buildings

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