Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum is located in the Xiannong Altar, the royal temple of Ming and Qing Dynasties, and is a thematic museum that collects, researches and displays the history and techniques of ancient Chinese architecture as well as the culture of ancient farming.

At present, there are two primary exhibitions in the museum, namely, the ancient Chinese architecture exhibition located in the Taisui Hall and the history and culture exhibition of Xiannong Altar located in the courtyard of Shenchu.

The “treasure of the museum” is the sunk panel in dome-shape of the former Longfu Temple in Beijing. It is one of the finest works of Ming Dynasty sunk panel extant in China, with six layers, square sunk panels intertwined with circular ones. At the top is a constellation painting with 1,400 constellations. It is said that this painting was drawn with reference to a constellation map of the Tang Dynasty. The cloud pattern frame and heavenly palaces echo the gods. There are immortals and goddesses in the palace, all of which are carefully carved, with extremely lifelike expressions.

Tip: Free admission for the first 200 visitors every Wednesday (subject to the order of admission)

Tickets: 15 yuan, 8 yuan off half price

Address: No. 21, Dongjing Road, Xicheng District, Beijing