The Temple of Heaven (TianTan), Beijing, China (100 photos) part 4

The Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall

皇穹宇和回音壁

At the center of the north-south axis of the Temple of Heaven are the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall that surrounds it.

在天坛南北中轴线的中心是皇穹宇和环绕着它的回音壁。

Testing the reflection of sound waves at the Echo Wall.

The Echo Wall encloses the Imperial Vault. It has a height of 3.7 meters and a circumference of 193 meters. It is named for its acoustical properties - a whisper spoken at one end can be heard clearly from the other. Further, the Triple Echo Stones in the courtyard return various numbers of echos depending on which stone one stands on while facing the Imperial Vault. They good demonstra tions of the excellent skills of ancient architects in embroldering acoustics phenomena into their designing.

回音壁是皇穹宇的围墙。它高3.7米，周长193米。它的名字来源于它的声学现象——站在这边轻声的耳语可以从另一边清楚的听到。此外还有三音石它在南北中轴上，你可以听见许多重回音取决于你站在第几块石头上。面对着皇穹宇有一音石、二音石、三音石。这些声学建筑体现了中国古代建筑师们运用声学原理的高超技艺。

The Imperial Vault, the Temple of Heaven.
The Imperial Vault of Heaven.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven sits in the center. It is a round building with a roof that resembles the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, though smaller and with only one gable of eaves and a single tier marble base.

皇穹宇位于最中心。它有一个圆形的尖顶圆形的建筑和祈谷殿很像，可是比那个小也只有一个大理石的基座。

The back half of the Imperial Vault of Heaven is constructed with bricks.

皇穹宇的背后有一半是用砖砌的。

The rear of the Imperial Vault of Heaven.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven was built in 1530 during the reign of Emperor JiaJing (Ming dynasty). It was rebuilt into the present form in 1752 by Emperor QianLong (Qing dynasty).

The hall is 19.2 meters high and with a diameter of 15.6 meters.

The east and west annexes were used to hold divine tablets of various gods worshipped at the Altar to Heaven.

皇穹宇是在1530年明朝嘉靖年间建造的。在1752年清朝的乾隆年间被从新建造。高19.2米，直径是15.6米。

这东西两边的附属建筑是过去存放各种神灵的牌位。