Diagram of the North Pole

original: "Beiji Tu" (北極圖). This is a circular astronomical diagram illustrating the position of the celestial poles relative to the horizon. In traditional Chinese cosmology, the sky was often envisioned as a rotating sphere surrounding the Earth.

The North Pole rises thirty-six degrees above the horizon; it is always visible and never hidden.
The North Pole Beiji: The northern point of the celestial axis rises 36 degrees above the earth original: "chudi" (出地), literally 'exiting the ground', always seen and never hidden.

The South Pole descends thirty-six degrees below the horizon; it is always hidden and never seen.
The South Pole Nanji: The southern point of the celestial axis enters 36 degrees below the earth original: "rudi" (入地), literally 'entering the ground', always hidden and never seen.

North Pole
North Pole (at the top of the central axis)

South Pole
South Pole (at the bottom of the central axis)

The reference to "thirty-six degrees" is significant as it indicates the latitude of the observer, likely reflecting the position of the imperial capital in central China (such as Xi'an or Kaifeng) where these observations were standardized. This altitude determines which stars are "circumpolar" (always visible) and which remain permanently below the horizon from that specific location.