Temple of Heaven visit adds cultural dimension to dialogue

The more than 600-year-old Temple of Heaven in Beijing provided a symbolic setting on Thursday for President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump as they posed for photos at the site after their closely watched talks earlier in the day.

The visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site added a cultural dimension to the summit between the leaders of the world's two largest economies.

Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the architectural marvel welcomed the two leaders on an early summer afternoon, as ancient cypresses stood in quiet grace and a gentle breeze refreshed the air.

Xi greeted Trump outside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Temple of Heaven's iconic, triple-eaved, blue-tiled landmark.

The two presidents walked up the steps and entered the hall, where they viewed its architectural features, from the precise fittings of its mortise-and-tenon joints and interlocking wooden brackets to the seamless integration of astronomical calendar concepts with its structure.

In the hall, they appreciated the concept of harmony among all things and respect for the law of nature.

Xi noted that in 2017, he and Trump toured the Palace Museum along Beijing's Central Axis.