temple temple chinese temple located china temple sacrifices emperors song dynasty mountain occupied largest earliest important extant wooden buildings built dynasty temple contains gates octagonal pavilion ancient history temple established dynasty site use early 2nd century bce temple rebuilt twice having destroyed according surviving image temple dating local history written temple time achieved present layout song dynasty alternate site sacrifices sacred mountains time controlled order maintain political legitimacy receive support chosen location sacrifices mountain controlled song believed vein direct sacrifices cut enemy controlled territory reach architecture temple laid north south axis featuring extant buildings south north buildings gate octagonal building called pavilion built dynasty gates hall large platform hall features remains stone sculptures site hall according signs temple buildings rebuilt late 20th century wall surrounding temple city wall surrounded south gate temple served main gates town apart remnant temple survives wall temple grounds home dating dynasty hall main hall temple built dynasty hall fronted massive platform known literally moon platform measures meters built high platform hall accessed center attached perimeter platform white marble capped lions hall measures seven bays surrounded covered arcade according architectural treatise 6th type column support roof type transverse horizontal arms 6th complex survive dynasty based complex marble height platform identifies hall eminent important extant wooden halls date period characteristics closely match descriptions architecture capital meaning hall representative architecture dynasty capital currently beijing murals painted walls western wall mural said painted dynasty measures meters features local water deity winged similar dimensions western mural eastern mural portrays dragon king hall contains statues dating recent period hall
Beiyue Temple