The halls, pavilions, gates, and walkways of Xiannongtan are important architectural relics of extinct imperial traditions, connected both physically and historically to the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The Tilling Ritual and other agricultural ceremonies were first outlined by Confucius in the Li Ji, or Book of Rites, and they endured at Xiannongtan for centuries. (...)
The halls, pavilions, gates, and walkways of Xiannongtan are important architectural relics of extinct imperial traditions, connected both physically and historically to the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The Tilling Ritual and other agricultural ceremonies were first outlined by Confucius in the Li Ji, or Book of Rites, and they endured at Xiannongtan for centuries. In addition to the spiritual significance of the complex, Xiannongtan is also worthy of preservation for its aesthetic value and artistic merit. Jufu Hall, one of the major buildings at the site, possesses a multi-colored façade and a broad roof lined with glazed tile; inside, the wooden beams are adorned with lacquered images of imperial golden dragons. Now, with its structures restored and its museum open to the public, Xiannongtan is once again an integral part of historic Beijing.
