Altar of Earth and Harvests

The Altar of Earth and Harvests (Shejitan) is a significant historical site located in Zhongshan Park, just west of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing. Built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, it served as a sacred platform where Chinese emperors performed grand rituals and offered sacrifices to the gods of earth and agriculture, praying for national stability and bountiful harvests.

The centerpiece of the altar is a square terrace filled with soil of five different colors: yellow in the center, green in the east, red in the south, white in the west, and black in the north. This unique arrangement symbolizes the ancient Chinese philosophical concept of the Five Elements and represents all the lands of the empire under the emperor's rule, drawing from every cardinal direction.

Today, the altar is a peaceful cultural landmark within a beautiful public park. Visitors can admire the ancient architecture, explore the surrounding classical gardens, and learn about the profound agricultural heritage and cosmological beliefs of imperial China, all while escaping the bustling city streets just a few steps away.