Xian Nong Tan Divine Granary

Xian Nong Tan Divine Granary is an ancient building located within Xian Nong Tan at No. 21 Dongjing Road, Xicheng District, Beijing. It was originally built in the 10th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1531) and was relocated to its current site in the 18th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. It is acclaimed as the 'First Granary Under Heaven.' The design of the Divine Granary is exquisite and its structure solid. It was primarily used to store grains harvested from the emperor's personally cultivated fields, which were used for royal sacrificial ceremonies. The granary mainly carried ceremonial functions and has unique historical and cultural significance. The courtyard of the granary covers an area of approximately 3,436 square meters. The buildings within the courtyard are symmetrically distributed along an axis, with the Shanmen, Shougu Pavilion, Yuanlin, and Sacrificial Warehouse arranged from south to north. On both sides, there are grinding rooms, granaries, and duty rooms. The wall behind Yuanlin divides the granary courtyard into two front sections, connected by a round gate in the middle. The architecture of the granary is unique, with the circular granary having a diameter of 8.6 meters. The south side features five steps, no dougong (bracket sets), and a pointed roof with black glazed tiles and green edges. Inside, in addition to the original flat-laid square bricks, there are also thick wooden beams 16 cm high and 13 cm wide, covered with wooden boards to prevent moisture. On April 18, 2024, the Divine Granary complex will be opened to the public after renovation and restoration, marking the first time it has been unveiled in over 200 years since its relocation. By visiting the Divine Granary complex, people can gain a deep understanding of the history and cultural significance of ancient Chinese agricultural civilization and royal sacrificial systems. Address: No. 21 Dongjing Road, Xicheng District, Beijing Opening Hours: 9:00—17:00 (Entry stops at 16:30) Closed on Mondays