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Proof that Nick (the usual photographer) was also there. Here are the details from the plaque outside the hall:

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Built in 1420 during the reign of Ming Emperor Yongle, the original hall, rectangular in shape, was first named the Great Hall for Sacrificial Rituals used to worship both Earth and Heaven. In 1545 during Ming Emperor Jiajing's reign, it was rebuilt as a round hall with a triple-eaved roof covered with blue, yellow and green glazed tiles symbolizing Heaven, Earth and the mortal world; it was renamed the Great Hall for Offering Sacrifices.

Reconstructed again in 1751 during the reign of Qing Emperor Qianlong, it was surmounted by a triple roof with azure glazed tiles only, culminating in a gilded sphere and renamed the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, exclusively used to pray for good harvests in January. 38.2 meters high and 24.2 meters in diameter, the hall is supported by immense pillars, symbolizing the four seasons, the 12 months of the year, the 12 time divisions of the day and night, and all the constellations. It is the only existing example of the ancient Ming Tang architectural style.

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