Temple of Heaven to close for Paralympics torch-lighting ceremony
Published : 2:56 A.M. EST, Aug 26, 2008
On August 28, the Temple of Heaven will host the 2008 Beijing Paralympics torch-lighting ceremony. Hence it will be closed from 18:00 on August 27 to 28, and the Echo Wall, the Circular Altar and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest will not accept visitors between 08:00 to 12:00 on August 26 and 27.
The ceremony will begin at 10:30. By using the concave mirror to concentrate the sun's rays, the Paralympics torch will be lit. From August 29 to September 6, starting from the Temple of Heaven, the torch relay will travel simultaneously along the 'ancient China route' and 'modern China route'.
The 'ancient China route' goes through famous ancient capitals and historic cities - Xian, Hohhot, Changsha, Nanjing and Luoyang. The 'modern China route' passes modern cities - Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai, Qingdao and Dalian. On September 5, they will meet in Beijing to continue Beijing's torch relay. On the next day, the flame will arrive in the National Stadium where the Paralympics opening ceremony will be staged.
