Travels in China - Beijing's Temple of Heaven

One of the group's first excursions in Beijing was a visit to the Temple of Heaven, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Temple is a complex of religious buildings in the southeastern part of central Beijing, dating from 1420, some 72 years before Christopher Columbus accidentally discovered the New World while supposedly sailing to Cathay (China).

The Temple was visited by Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer in the hopes of a good harvest.

The grounds are impressive and ornate,

as well as intricately designed,

and attract many visitors,

including these school children.

It is also a popular place to take wedding or fashion photos.

But some of the youngest visitors, like children everywhere, are more insouciant

than their adult companions.