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Xiannongtan is an outstanding example of royal sacrificial architecture in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a royal architectural complex of the Ming Dynasty with a basically complete architectural layout. It is a physical witness of the rules and regulations of Chinese feudal society and has high historical and artistic value. According to historical records, Xiannongtan, also known as "Shanchuantan", was built in the 18th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1420), with a history of more than 580 years. It was an important place for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to worship gods such as mountains and rivers and Shennong. It was also the only royal forbidden garden established by the royal family in the south of the city.
Beijing Xiannongtan was founded in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420) and was built in the southwest of Zhengyangmen, corresponding to the Temple of Heaven (originally called the Temple of Heaven and Earth, and was renamed the Temple of Heaven during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty) complex to its east.
When the Beijing Xiannongtan Temple was first built, it followed the etiquette regulations of Nanjing, the old capital of the early Ming Dynasty, and combined the gods of nature such as Xiannong, mountains and rivers, and Taisui into a temple complex. In the tenth year of Jiajing (1513), the Altar of Heaven and the Altar of Earth were added to the southern part of the inner altar wall, forming the current layout of the Xiannongtan Temple. The Xiannongtan Temple covers an area of about 2,000 mu and is surrounded by two inner and outer walls. The outer altar wall is about 1,424 meters long from north to south and about 700 meters wide from east to west, forming a north-circular south-shaped shape (the northern part has now disappeared). The inner altar wall is about 446 meters long from north to south and about 306 meters wide from east to west.
There are five groups of buildings in Xiannongtan: 1. Qingcheng Palace; 2. Taisui Hall (including the worship hall and the silk burning furnace in front of it); 3. Shenchu (including the slaughter pavilion); 4. Shencang; 5. Jufu Hall. There are also four altars: Guangeng Terrace, Xiannong Altar, Tianshen Altar, and Dizhi Altar. These groups of buildings and altars are basically located inside the inner altar wall, with only Qingcheng Palace, Tianshen Altar, and Dizhi Altar located outside the inner altar wall and inside the outer altar wall. In addition, there is one mu and three fen of farmland in front of the inner altar Guangeng Terrace, which was the land that the emperor personally cultivated when performing the land borrowing ceremony.
Attraction Location: Fengtai District, Beijing (北京市丰台区), near Yongdingmen (永定门) and the South Second Ring Road (南二环)
History: Xiannong Altar, literally “Altar of the Former Agriculture God,” dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and was used by emperors to perform sacrificial rites to the God of Agriculture (社神/农神). The altar played an essential role in the imperial rituals aimed at ensuring a good harvest and prosperity for the country.
Architecture: The site features a large rectangular altar complex, main ceremonial halls, and smaller side halls. The central altar (祭坛) is surrounded by stone carvings, ceremonial gates, and traditional Chinese courtyard-style buildings. The layout emphasizes symmetry and harmony, reflecting traditional Chinese architectural principles and ritual importance.
Cultural Value: Xiannong Altar is one of the few preserved imperial sacrificial sites in Beijing, providing insight into ancient Chinese agricultural rituals, Confucian ideology, and ceremonial architecture. It is considered a cultural treasure of Chinese heritage.
Other Information: The site is often quieter than other famous Beijing attractions, offering visitors a more contemplative and historical experience. Some sections host cultural exhibitions on agriculture and imperial rituals.
Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00
Ticket Price: Adult: ¥15
Students/Elders: ¥7
Children under 1.2m: Free
Best Photo Spots: Central altar (祭坛), ceremonial gates (门楼), intricate roof carvings, and side halls’ courtyards.
Time Reference: About 1–1.5 hours is sufficient for a thorough visit.
Other Information: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for soft natural lighting and fewer visitors. Guided tours provide context on the rituals and historical significance.
Tickets are 15 and must be paid in cash!
Brothers! Promise me!
Just be sure to bring cash, okay?
If you don't want to bring cash, you can come here on Wednesday.
I seem to see the electronic screen saying free tickets on Wednesdays
This is a temple altar where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the God of Agriculture. It is solemn, with few visitors and towering ancient trees. It is a good place to understand the rituals of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offering sacrifices to the God of Agriculture in that era when "food was the first necessity of the people". It is important to note that it is not a popular check-in spot.
It's called the Architectural Art Museum, and all the popular science stuff is common sense. The only relatively beautiful thing is the caisson, but there are also many traces of repairs, so it's not worth the price of the ticket.
Come here for the caisson, a rare good place, few people and can learn a lot, it would be even better if you catch the explanation (explanation time: 9:30 am to 1:30 pm)
The ancient altar is now an architectural museum, where you can learn about the general history of Chinese architecture. But it's a pity that there are too many places that are not open to the public.
We set out in the morning sun at eight o'clock. The Xiannongtan was deserted and empty. Strolling inside, the sense of time and space of history came to our faces. Surprisingly, the first spring rain of the year fell at the right time. It seemed that after the watering, history continued to settle and life continued. Outside the red walls, flowers began to bloom vibrantly again.
The current exhibitions are on the history of Xiannongtan and agricultural history, and ancient Chinese architectural culture. There are very few tourists here, but that does not hinder the exquisiteness of the exhibits.
I visited the Ancient Architecture Museum. There were few tourists, so I could quietly watch the royal sacrificial site.
The Temple of Agriculture is located on the west side of Yongdingmen in the southern section of Beijing's central axis, and is opposite to the Temple of Heaven. This group of ancient buildings was first built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420). It was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the God of Agriculture and held ceremonies of personally plowing the fields. It is a well-preserved part of the royal sacrificial architectural system in Beijing. It is now an ancient architecture museum.
The most important thing is the Museum of Ancient Chinese Architecture, where volunteers give explanations, which opened another window for me. It was really an unexpected gain and brought me wonderful memories.
Xiannongtan is now an ancient architecture museum, not far from the Temple of Heaven, but with fewer people.
Xiannongtan is now an ancient architecture museum. If you take a bus, don't go to Xiannongtan Station. It's best to get off at Nanwei Road. Otherwise, it's hard to find. It's together with Yucai School, and most of the place is occupied by school buildings. Only a small part of the building is left. The main buildings are the North Gate, Taisui Hall, Shenchu, and Slaughter Pavilion. Tianshen Didi Altar is a reconstruction, and the scale is very small. There is a basketball court next to Xiannongtan. Shencang is occupied by a unit and is not allowed to be visited. The only highlight is the Fulong Temple caisson restored in Taisui Hall. It is really very beautiful, and this caisson itself is worth one star.
Beijing Xiannongtan is located west of Yongdingmen Street, facing the Temple of Heaven from east to west. This is a place in Beijing that is overlooked by tourists but is worth savoring. Xiannong Temple is located in the northwest of the inner altar. It is a square platform with a brick and stone structure. It is not proportional to the altars of the Circular Mound Altar of the Temple of Heaven, nor can it be compared with the altars of the Temple of Earth. However, it has a unique charm among the buildings and ancient trees. Xiannong Temple is located in the north of the altar. In the feudal emperor era, the tablets of Xiannong were enshrined. On both sides of the main hall are the God's Storehouse and God's Kitchen. The courtyard is surrounded by red walls, and there is an archway at the gate. There is a well pavilion on the east and west sides of the courtyard gate. The well pavilion is designed with great knowledge and the space feels unique.
Beautiful caisson
The ultimate aesthetics on the dome of ancient buildings - caisson.
The dome rises high, like an umbrella or a cover.
Because of Mr. Lin Liang, I fell in love with ancient buildings.
During this trip to Beijing, caisson ceiling must be on the wish list.
Xiannongtan was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped Shennong and watched farming.
The Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum is located in Xiannongtan, Xicheng District, Beijing.
The Longfu Temple in Beijing no longer exists, but its three caissons have survived.
It has become the treasure of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum.