Another jewel was added to Beijing's central axis south section. After more than half a year of renovation, the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, located at the Temple of Agriculture, reopened on July 18th. The Temple of Agriculture area has been restored to its historical splendor, and the Butcher's Hall courtyard has unveiled its mystery for the first time.
Entering the Temple of Agriculture and heading west, passing through the Tai Sui Hall courtyard and the Divine Kitchen courtyard, observant visitors will notice that the walls, doors, and pillars of each ancient building have been meticulously repainted, restoring the vibrant vermilion color. The painted decorations on the eaves of the halls have been cleaned and preserved, showcasing their original charm.
In the Temple of Agriculture area, the square brick and stone platform has been adorned with eight sets of bronze incense burners on all four sides, adding to the solemnity. The staff explained that this place was a altar for offering sacrifices to the God of Agriculture during the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the renovation, the museum restored the altar's original layout based on the plan from the Code of Qing Dynasty, faithfully recreating its historical appearance. All restoration work strictly followed the original materials, techniques, and practices, allowing visitors to experience the ancient royal sacrificial rituals.
In the architectural complex on the north side of the Temple of Agriculture's altar and the west side of the Tai Sui Hall, the Butcher's Hall courtyard has made its debut after renovation. As an important place for processing sacrifices during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Butcher's Hall has preserved its early Ming dynasty architectural style. Its unique double-eaved suspended mountain roof structure is hailed by ancient architecture experts as a "rare example of Ming dynasty official-style architecture." The newly opened area has attracted many visitors to take photos and check-in. "The painted decorations on the roof may have weathered, but we can still feel the weight of history from them."
The magnificent and intricate caisson ceiling, the gem of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum at the Temple of Agriculture, is once again on display for the public. The structure of the caisson ceiling consists of a square well within a circular well, and within the circular well is another square well. At the four corners of the caisson ceiling are statues of powerful warriors, symbolizing the support of the central circular well. The circular well was originally designed to have six layers, but now only five layers remain, with celestial palaces arranged above several layers. Within the palaces are finely carved celestial beings with delicate expressions. At the top of the caisson ceiling is a star map, which appears like a galaxy under the illumination of lights.
Within the Temple of Agriculture, there are more surprises waiting to be unveiled. The newly laid sacrificial road is about to make its appearance, connecting the Gate of Agriculture, the East Heaven Gate, and the inner altar area of the Temple of Agriculture, providing a clearer display of the activity route of the Ming and Qing emperors within the Temple of Agriculture in Beijing. What is worth looking forward to is the completion of the renovation and exhibition of the Divine Granary architectural complex, which will be open to the public for the first time. The courtyard will showcase the "Divine Granary Historical and Cultural Exhibition," allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the experience of ancient Chinese agricultural culture.
