On May 14, President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who is on a state visit to China, visited the Temple of Heaven.

In the refreshing breeze of early summer, the Temple of Heaven is adorned with elegant old cypress trees. President Xi greeted President Trump at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. 

President Xi and President Trump took photos together on the spacious square of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent structure with triple eaves and glazed tiles. The two heads of state walked up the steps and entered the Hall. Together, they admired the exquisite engineering of mortise and tenon and wooden brackets and the perfect integration of astronomical calendar and the Hall’s structure, and appreciated the concept of harmony among all things and respect for the law of nature.

President Xi noted that we toured the Palace Museum along the Central Axis of Beijing in 2017. The Temple of Heaven is as old as the Palace Museum. It captures the idea that Heaven is round and Earth is square, and reflects the view on the universe and guiding philosophy of the Chinese people. Ancient Chinese rulers would hold prayer ceremonies here for prosperity of the nation, happiness of the people and good harvests, which embodies the traditional Chinese ethos that people are the foundation of a country and only when the people lead a good life can the country thrive. Carrying forward and developing the people-centered philosophy in Chinese civilization, the Communist Party of China has stayed committed to the abiding mission of serving the people wholeheartedly and has gained firm support and heartfelt endorsement of the people.

President Trump said that he still vividly remembers his visit to the Palace Museum. The Temple of Heaven, still standing tall after over 600 years, showcases the fine art of classical Chinese architecture as well as the splendid and profound traditional culture, which is incredible. The United States and China are both great countries, and the two peoples are great people with wisdom. The two countries should deepen mutual understanding and promote friendship among the peoples.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Yin Li attended the event.