Qingcheng Palace (Xiannongtan Temple of Agriculture)

Qingcheng Palace, originally named Zhai Palace, was built in the second year of the Tianshun period of the Ming dynasty (1458). It was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties fasted before offering sacrifices at the Temple of Agriculture. In the 20th year of the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty (1775), it was rebuilt and renamed Qingcheng Palace, becoming the place where the emperor celebrated the completion of the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the God of Agriculture and plowing the fields in person. Qingcheng Palace is located in the Temple of Agriculture on the central axis of Beijing. The building complex faces south, with the outer palace gate, inner palace gate, main hall, and rear hall built from south to north. The east and west sides of the courtyard between the two halls are built with side halls. The roofs of the main hall and rear hall are the highest level of imperial architecture, covered with green glazed tiles. The beams and rafters are painted with golden dragons and seals, the window flowers are decorated with three-crossed six-bowl diamond patterns, and the ceilings are decorated with dragon patterns, all of which show the grandeur of the Ming dynasty imperial architecture.