JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing after the world-renowned talks. Citing a report by China Daily, Friday, May 15, the site, which is more than 600 years old, is a symbolic backdrop for the meeting of the world's two largest economic leaders.
The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This place was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and is known as one of the icons of classical Chinese architecture.
Xi Jinping greeted Trump in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a three-story blue-roofed building that is the most famous part of the complex.
The two then entered the main hall. There, they saw details of traditional Chinese architecture, including nail-free wooden joints and interlocking bracing structures.
Xi explained that the Temple of Heaven was built in the same period as the Palace Museum. According to Xi Jinping, the building reflects the ancient Chinese people's view of heaven, earth, harmony, and natural law.
Xi also said that ancient Chinese rulers used to pray at the site for the country's prosperity, people's well-being, and good weather for the harvest.
According to Xi, the tradition shows the view that the people are the foundation of the country. The country can only be strong if the people live well.
Trump praised the Temple of Heaven, which has stood for more than six centuries. He called the place an example of the beauty of classical architecture and Chinese culture.
"It's incredible. It's a great place. It's amazing. China is beautiful," Trump said.
Trump also said the United States and China are two great countries with great and wise people. According to Trump, both countries need to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people friendship.
The visit continues a tradition of Chinese-US diplomacy of using important cultural sites to deliver messages outside the official agenda.
Trump became the first sitting US president to visit the Temple of Heaven in 51 years. Previously, President Gerald Ford visited the site while visiting China in 1975.
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