Beijing Shejitan, Historical altar in Donghuamen, China
Beijing Shejitan is a historical altar in the inner city with a square base, stone staircases on all sides, worship halls, and pavilions for offerings. The structure combines multiple buildings and courtyards that together form a unified ceremonial site.
The altar was built in 1421 during the Ming Dynasty as a ceremonial site for imperial rituals. It served as an important center for ceremonies related to harvest protection and imperial prosperity until the Qing period.
The altar displays symbols connected to the land and harvests that visitors can still observe today. Its layout and design reflect ancient beliefs about the relationship between heaven and earth.
The site is located within Zhongshan Park and is accessible for educational visits about Chinese ceremonial traditions. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since there are multiple levels and staircases to explore.
The site follows a precise geometric layout that connects it to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and reflects ancient concepts of cosmic order. This spatial arrangement demonstrates how Chinese rulers expressed their authority through carefully designed architectural relationships.
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