The more than 600-year-old Temple of Heaven in Beijing provided a symbolic setting on Thursday for President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump as they posed for photos at the site after their closely watched talks earlier in the day.

The visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site added a cultural dimension to the summit between the leaders of the world's two largest economies.

Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the architectural marvel welcomed the two leaders on an early summer afternoon, as ancient cypresses stood in quiet grace and a gentle breeze refreshed the air.

Xi greeted Trump outside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Temple of Heaven's iconic, triple-eaved, blue-tiled landmark.

The two presidents walked up the steps and entered the hall, where they viewed its architectural features, from the precise fittings of its mortise-and-tenon joints and interlocking wooden brackets to the seamless integration of astronomical calendar concepts with its structure.

In the hall, they appreciated the concept of harmony among all things and respect for the law of nature.

Xi noted that in 2017, he and Trump toured the Palace Museum along Beijing's Central Axis.

The Temple of Heaven dates from the same period as the Palace Museum and embodies the idea that Heaven is round and Earth is square, reflecting the view of the universe and guiding philosophy of the Chinese people, he said.

Xi told Trump that ancient Chinese rulers would hold prayer ceremonies at the site for prosperity of the nation, happiness of the people and favorable weather for good harvests. It embodies the traditional Chinese ethos that people are the foundation of a country and only when the people lead a good life can the country thrive, he said.

Xi said the Communist Party of China has inherited and carried forward the people-centered philosophy rooted in Chinese civilization, and has always adhered to its fundamental commitment of serving the people wholeheartedly, thereby gaining the firm support and heartfelt endorsement of the people.

Trump said he still has vivid memories of his 2017 visit to the Palace Museum. The Temple of Heaven, which has stood magnificently for more than six centuries, showcases the fine art of classical Chinese architecture as well as the splendid and profound traditional culture, he said.

"It's great. Great place. Incredible. China is beautiful," Trump said.

Both the United States and China are great countries, and their peoples are both great and wise, Trump said, adding that the two countries should deepen mutual understanding and enhance friendship between their peoples.

The Temple of Heaven visit on Thursday continued a tradition in China-US diplomacy in which culturally significant venues are used to convey messages beyond the formal agenda. Trump's visit to the Temple of Heaven marked the first time in 51 years that a sitting US president had visited the landmark since then-US president Gerald Ford toured it during his visit to China in 1975.