Photo: Li Hao/GT

"This is the matching photo spot where Chinese and US heads of state posed for pictures yesterday. Come take a photo here for a keepsake," such exclamations rippled across the front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing's Temple of Heaven on Friday afternoon. Crowds of tourists flocked to the very same spot where two leaders had posed for photos the previous day, to check in and recreate the iconic shots, the Global Times reporters saw at the site. 

Photo: Li Hao/GT

Arriving at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at around 2 pm on Friday, the reporters noted that the exact location where the two leaders posed for photos during their meeting a day earlier has become a popular check-in spot for both Chinese and foreign tourists. 

Reporters also witnessed visitors calling out to their family and friends in turn to stand at the same photo spot that best recreates the vantage point used by the two leaders, capturing precious moments.

Photo: Li Hao/GT

Adelson (pseudonym), a tourist from the US, told the Global Times that having his photo taken at this matching photo spot was "impressive," adding, "I think my family will think that's pretty neat."

He also said that he was excited that the two countries are talking and having dialogue. As China and the US strengthen their relations, Adelson believes people from both countries will benefit. "We have opportunities for win‑win relationships to better both countries and learn a lot from each other. I think Americans have a lot to offer, and so do the Chinese," he said.

Danusha Seneviratne, a visitor from Australia, said he would "never forget" witnessing such a historic moment in Beijing. Standing at the iconic spot where the two heads of state posed for pictures, he said he found it "really symbolic."

Photo: Li Hao/GT

In Danusha's view, the Temple of Heaven stands as a symbol of peace and harmony, making it entirely fitting for the meeting between the two leaders. He said [talks were] all about harmony and bringing the world together, and "I think China is a fantastic place to do that."

Another Australian visitor, Tim, said he had anticipated increased crowds at the Temple of Heaven given the previous day's meeting between the two leaders, yet he had not expected such a massive turnout.

Besides the throngs of international tourists visiting the Temple of Heaven and snapping photos at the exact location, numerous domestic travelers from across the country are also among the queue of visitors taking photos. 

Photo: Li Hao/GT

Zhang Xiangrun, a 19‑year‑old student from Suqian, East China's Jiangsu Province, told the Global Times that seeing crowds flocking to the matching photo spot reflected the widespread attention the meeting attracted both in China and internationally, and he can also feel the pride in the nation's prosperity from Chinese visitors' big smiles.

"Come and see - this is where the leaders of the two countries posed for their picture!" Global Times reporters repeatedly overheard the excited exclamation at the site. A tourist surnamed Gao from Nantong, Jiangsu Province, was one of them. Standing at the matching photo spot, she pointed excitedly to tell the reporters that "this is the very vantage point where the two state leaders posed for photos yesterday."

"I wish for world peace and national prosperity," Gao said sincerely after taking her picture, gazing toward the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which she described as a symbol of harmony. 

Photo: Li Hao/GT