× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. Inscription: The Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing (China) Document type Decision Reference number VIII.B.1 Date Nov 30, 1998 SourceUNEP, 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.