Ancient sacrificial ceremony re-enacted

In Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is playing host to a popular ceremony dating back from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Heaven Worshipping is a sacrificial ritual previously held on the winter solstice. The re-enactment during Spring Festival delivers a taste of ancient culture to holiday crowds.

This is not the scene of a period drama, but in Tiantan park, history comes alive.

More than three hundred staff walk along the main avenue, dressed as imperial guards of a bygone era.

The pageant spreads out over seven hundred meters. It's vivid interpretation transports visitors back in time.

One visitor said: "This is our fourth year to come. It's more elaborate this year, with flamboyant costumes and there's more demonstration. "

Another visitor said: "The ceremony is grandiose and awe-inspiring. This is my first time, and took a great deal of pictures. "

The imperial line-up shifts to the grounds outside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where the heaven worshipping ceremony formerly took place.

Twenty-seven year old Zhong Jixian tries to portray a solemn Qianlong Emperor with the highest dignity. He "ascended the throne" three years ago. Since then, he's been reading up on the history in an effort to deliver a closer reincarnation.

Zhong said: "I have been watching the emperor's behavior, manner of speaking, and walking from historical dramas. During my performance, I also try to understand the emperor when he's paying respects to heaven. "

On top of the circular mound altar, the emperor reports to heaven affairs of the country and prays for a good harvest in the coming season. The singing and dancing add a sense of festivity and auspiciousness to the ceremony.

The Temple of Heaven was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1998. Niu Jianzhong, deputy director of the Park, believes re-enacting the ceremony is a way to cherish the legacy.

Niu said: "The Tiantan complex is a tangible heritage, whereas the ceremony is intangible. These demonstrations give the audience a fuller image of Tiantan, with historical depth."

The festivity continues inside the Hall of Ceremonial Music, where a concert featuring ancient instruments is scheduled as part of the three-bill holiday offering.

This is where musicians practiced for the sacrificial ceremonies during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The catalogue of singing and performing offers holiday makers a feast for the senses.