Map of the Square Mound Altar

original: "Fangqiu Tan." The Square Mound Altar was the primary site for imperial sacrifices to the Earth. In accordance with the ancient cosmological belief of "Round Heaven and Square Earth," this altar was built as a square to represent the terrestrial realm, serving as the counterpart to the circular Altar of Heaven.

Storehouse

Slaughterhouse
original: "zaisheng suo." This was a highly regulated facility where ritual animals—typically oxen, sheep, or pigs—were prepared for sacrifice to ensure they met the standards of purity required for the gods.

Storehouse

Sacrificial Kitchen
original: "chu." The kitchen was where the various offerings, including meat and grains, were cooked and plated before being ceremonially transported to the altar.