Oriented on making people closer

Beijing, July 28 | ORIENT. After today's World Youth Conference, where we caught every impulse of the global dialogue, the rest of the day brought us a completely different experience. Something awaited us that you won't find in any textbook on international relations - the Temple of Heaven. And this is not just a line in a guidebook, it is a portal to Ancient China, where every tile and column breathes history!

Built in 1420, the Temple became a place where wise emperors communicated with the Heavens, asking for well-being for their people. This is not just architecture, this is a real miracle of the Celestial Empire, which they built to be closer to the Universe.

We were greeted by the Main Hall in the shape of a circle as a symbol of infinity, with three tiers of blue tiles above it, as if the sky itself had descended to the earth. But the real wow effect was produced by the Magic Altar. It was worth whispering a word - and it turned into a majestic echo! Without microphones, without speakers, simply the genius of ancient architects. We looked at each other, not believing our ears: how is this even possible?!

In the Hall of Prayer for a Good Harvest there are columns that amaze the imagination. Each of them tells a story - interesting and instructive. Although, however, all stories in the Celestial Empire teach something. Not a country, but a giant university. It seems that even the air here is saturated with wisdom.

...Four pillars symbolize the seasons. There are twelve more - these are already months. And there are twenty-eight more - they all correspond to certain constellations.

In China, if you are an attentive and sensitive tourist, you can notice that everything tells you something. Although the Chinese themselves are not very talkative people, which corresponds to their national tradition. In ancient times, even enlightened teachers passed on knowledge silently.

They called this method of cognition "from heart to heart" when they worked next to their students, or silently walked, or simply admired the harmony of nature and the Universe, while always being in a state of peaceful meditation.

Have you heard of the "talking wall"? The one that transmits sounds over huge distances without any technology? This is not a myth; this is the reality of the Huangqunyu Temple! It is incomprehensible - how did they do it?!

We learned that if you pay attention, you can unravel many secrets in China, in addition to the wonders of acoustics. For example, why is the number "9" considered sacred? It turned out that everything is simple and profound at the same time: "9" is consonant with the Chinese words "eternal" and "long". Hence its presence everywhere - in ancient philosophy, state symbols, architecture and even in the logos of modern companies! The Chinese definitely know a lot about branding and durability.

Our trip to the Temple of Heaven is not just an excursion. It is an immersion in an incredible world where the past is intertwined with the present. Where ancient traditions coexist with modern technologies and global youth dialogues. Here you are not just a tourist, you are a part of something eternal, incredible. And this feeling inspires, shows that the great history of China is not just lines in textbooks, it is a pulsating reality that continues to surprise, teach and inspire.

We were strongly advised to return to the Temple of Heaven early in the morning. After all, it is at dawn that the park surrounding it turns into a living open-air studio! Hundreds of people gather here to practice tai chi, wushu, qigong and other types of health gymnastics. Imagine this picture: the sun's rays break through the centuries-old trees, and under them dozens, hundreds of people move synchronously, filling the morning with calm energy. This is what we would like to see, but... tomorrow we will already be in another Chinese city, and new acquaintances and discoveries await us.

Jumadurdy POTJIMOV,

Enejan KEPBANOVA

Photo: orient.tm