The  Qingcheng Palace complex, a royal sacrificial venue along the historic central axis of Beijing, opened to the public after restoration work on Saturday. 

Built  in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the palace is located inside the Altar  of the God of Agriculture, also referred to as the Xiannongtan Temple. The palace was formerly known as Zhaigong, which literally translates to the fasting palace. It was a place where the emperors abstained from  heavy meals and meditated before worship. 

It  was renamed as Qingcheng Palace in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911),  becoming a place where the emperors held celebratory rituals after  cultivation ceremonies while praying for a good harvest. 

Restoration work of the ancient buildings started in June last year, following the principle of "minimal intervention."

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)