This three-tiered marble terrace is the first major structure you'll see if you enter from the south gate (nan men). It was built in 1530 and enlarged in 1749, with all of its stones and balustrades organized in multiples of nine. Here, a slaughtered bull would be set ablaze, the culmination of an elaborate ceremonial entreaty to the gods.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Beijing, 5th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»