Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Architecture

In the current dynasty, the Circular Mound Altar is constructed with two tiers. The lower tier is 70 feet original: "qi zhang." One zhang equals ten chi (Chinese feet). In the Ming dynasty, a chi was approximately 32 centimeters. wide and 8 feet 1 inch high. It has staircases descending in four directions. The Southern Staircase The primary ritual entrance is 9 feet 5 inches wide with nine steps. The East, West, and North staircases are each 8 feet 1 inch wide and also have nine steps.

The upper tier of the altar is 50 feet wide and 8 feet 1 inch high. Its Southern Staircase is 12 feet 5 inches wide with nine steps. The East, West, and North staircases are each 11 feet 9.5 inches wide, also with nine steps. Both the upper and lower levels of the altar are paved with glazed tiles, and glazed balustrades are constructed on all four sides.

An inner surrounding wall wei A ritual enclosure wall meant to separate the most sacred space from the surroundings. stands 150 feet from the altar. It is 8 feet 1 inch high and built of brick, with Lingxing Gates Lingxingmen Traditional ceremonial gates with "cloud-topping" pillars, signifying a gate to the heavens. located on all four sides. Beyond this is an outer altar wall, also 150 feet away, which similarly features Lingxing Gates on all four sides.

The Altar to the Spirits of Heaven and Earth is located outside the East Gate. The auxiliary buildings are arranged as follows:

• The Celestial Storehouse, consisting of five rooms, is located north of the outer wall, facing south.
• The Kitchen House, consisting of five rooms, is northeast of the outer altar, facing west.
• The Storehouse Rooms, consisting of five rooms, face south.
• The Slaughterhouse original: "Zaishengfang." The place where sacrificial animals were prepared. consists of three rooms.
• A Celestial Pond likely a ritual well or cistern for purification is located to the northeast of the outer storehouses.
• The Abstinence Lodgings original: "Zhaishe." Where officials would fast and meditate before the ceremony. for the officiating staff are located at the southeast corner of the altar’s outer wall.