International Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanied visiting U.S. President Donald Trump on a tour of Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven on Thursday during Trump’s state visit to China.

President Xi welcomed Trump at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, one of the most iconic structures within the Temple of Heaven complex. The two leaders posed together for photographs in front of the historic building before ascending the steps and entering the hall.

During the visit, Xi and Trump admired the architectural brilliance of the ancient structure, including the precision of its mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship, the integration of astronomy and calendar systems, and the harmonious design of the palace complex. The tour highlighted the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature and the pursuit of natural order.

President Xi noted that during Trump’s previous visit to China in 2017, the two leaders toured the Forbidden City along Beijing’s historic central axis. He explained that the Temple of Heaven, built during the same era as the Forbidden City, symbolizes the ancient Chinese concept of “round heaven and square earth” and reflects the Chinese worldview and philosophy of life.

Xi said ancient Chinese rulers held grand sacrificial ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven to pray for national peace and prosperity, embodying the traditional belief that “the people are the foundation of the state, and a stable foundation ensures national stability.”

He added that by inheriting and developing the people-centered philosophy of Chinese civilization, the Communist Party of China has consistently adhered to the principle of serving the people wholeheartedly, earning strong public support and broad recognition.

President Trump remarked that his memories of visiting the Forbidden City years earlier remain vivid. He praised the Temple of Heaven for continuing to stand majestically after more than 600 years, describing it as a remarkable symbol of China’s outstanding classical architecture and profound traditional culture.

Trump also said that both the United States and China are great nations with wise and talented peoples, emphasizing that the two countries should deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen friendship between their citizens.

Lily–Touhid–Anandi, China Media Group