Location and How to Get There

Xian Nong Tan is located at No. 21 Dongjing Road, Xuanwu District, Beijing, China. It's situated southwest of Zhengyangmen, one of Beijing's historic city gates, and directly opposite the famous Temple of Heaven to its east.

Getting to Xian Nong Tan is quite convenient. If you're taking the subway, the closest stations are Taoranting Station on Line 4 or Tiantan East Gate Station on Line 5. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, several bus lines stop nearby, including routes 2, 17, 20, 36, 53, 71, 72, 93, 120, and 622. If you're coming by taxi, just tell the driver “Xian Nong Tan” – most will know where it is.

The Historical Significance

Xian Nong Tan, also known as the Altar of Agriculture, is a remarkable example of Ming and Qing Dynasty royal sacrificial architecture. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it's one of Beijing's oldest and most important historical sites, with over 580 years of history.

Originally called the “Altar of Mountains and Rivers,” Xian Nong Tan was where emperors conducted ceremonies to honor agricultural deities, including the legendary Shennong (the Divine Farmer). It's the only royal garden established in the southern part of old Beijing, making it unique among the city's historic sites.

The complex is laid out according to strict ritual principles from the Ming Dynasty, incorporating elements from the former capital Nanjing. It was expanded in 1513 with the addition of the Altar of Heaven and Altar of Earth, forming the layout we see today.

What to See: Architectural Highlights

Xian Nong Tan covers about 2000 acres, surrounded by double walls. The main complex includes five major building groups and four altars:

  1. Qingcheng Palace: The main palace, located outside the inner wall.
  2. Tai Sui Hall: Includes a worship hall and incense burning furnace.
  3. Divine Kitchen: Where sacrificial animals were prepared.
  4. Divine Granary: For storing ritual grains.
  5. Jufu Hall: For changing ceremonial robes.

The four altars are:

  • Observation Platform: Where emperors watched farming.
  • Xian Nong Tan: The main altar.
  • Altar of Heaven
  • Altar of Earth

Don’t miss the “One Mu Three Fen” field (about 0.08 hectares) in front of the Observation Platform.