The Altar of the Sun in the Temple of Heaven, Peking (Beijing), ringed with men of the 16th Bengal Lancers, 1900

Photograph, 3rd China War, 1900.

The 15th century site, built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, was the largest temple complex in China. The emperors visited it every winter solstice to worship heaven and to pray for a good harvest. The 16th Lancers were part of the Anglo-Indian force sent to Peking during the 3rd China War (Boxer Rebellion) (1900-1901).