Altar of Earth and Harvests

The Altar of Earth and Harvests, known as Sheji, was a significant historical altar in Beijing, China. It was part of a religious complex dedicated to the worship of the soil and harvests, a practice central to ancient Chinese beliefs about the responsibility of rulers for the land and country.1

The altar was located in Beijing and was a key component of the city's traditional layout, symbolizing the balance between different aspects of governance and worship. While emperors worshipped She (Soil) and Ji (Grain) at grand ceremonies, ordinary people also developed their own local deities for protection of their land and crops. The worship of Sheji was a fundamental aspect of imperial ritual, reflecting the deep connection between rulers, the land, and the prosperity of the nation.21