Following a clear, hot and sunny morning, the heavens had other ideas for the day. Clouds rolled in, the sky darkened and, by the time I arrived at the Temple of Heaven south entrance, the rain had begun to fall. As if from nowhere, umpteen hawkers produced umbrellas for sale. The air still balmy and the gently spattering warm rain, I resisted the urge to buy immediately – only 30 RMB (£3) they insisted. The wind was starting to gust a bit more and the possibility of a deluge seemed to increase – only 20 RMB! – I raised a brow. The rain hadn't really picked up though and with the wind came the diminished value of an umbrella. My bag was waterproof. I imagined I'd dry off ok and kept walking. 15... 10! I laughed at such rapid discounts, unswayed. The final hawker in tow made a last gasp whisper in my ear: 5 RMB! Incredible! Having set my mind, I bought my ticket, took my chance and laughed goodbye to the hawker, hoping I'd got it right.
The Temple of Heaven complex is set in a well groomed park enjoyed for recreation by many locals, primarily for playful physical or musical exercise.
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