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Inscription: The Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing (China)

Document type
Decision
Reference number
VIII.B.1
Date
Nov 30, 1998
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Status
Active
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Treaty
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972)
Meeting
22e session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

Property: The Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

Id. N°: 881

State Party: China

Criteria: C(i)(ii)(iii)

The Committee inscribed this site on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (i), (ii), and (iii):

Criterion (i): The Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world's great civilizations.

Criterion (ii): The symbolic layout and design of the Temple of Heaven had a profound influence on architecture and planning in the Far East over many centuries.

Criterion (iii): For more than two thousand years China was ruled by a series of feudal dynasties, the legitimacy of which is symbolized by the design and layout of the Temple of Heaven.