temple of agriculture
The Temple of Agriculture, also known as Xiannongtan, is a historic site steeped in cultural significance, located in the Xuanwu District of Beijing, near the renowned Temple of Heaven. Built in the 15th century, it served as a ceremonial site where Ming and Qing emperors would perform sacrifices to Xiannong, the deity associated with agriculture. Emperors would symbolically adopt the attire of farmers during rituals to ensure a prosperous harvest. Today, the temple not only stands as a testament to China's rich imperial history but also houses the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, offering insights into the architectural splendor and cultural practices of ancient China.