Sacred Temple of Heaven Where the Emperor Sacrifices Once a Year, in the Chinese City of Pekin, October 1860 1860

Felice Beato’s 1860 photograph, *Sacred Temple of Heaven Where the Emperor Sacrifices Once a Year, in the Chinese City of Pekin, October 1860,* captures the grandeur of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The image, taken during the Second Opium War, showcases the intricate details of the three-tiered roof, a defining feature of Chinese imperial architecture. The photograph's historical context, coupled with its detailed portrayal of the Temple, provides a glimpse into the Chinese imperial rituals and traditions of the time. Beato's work, known for its stark realism, is considered an early example of photojournalism and offers a unique perspective on 19th-century China.