The ruins of the Qingshuang Pavilion are a typical example of traditional Huaxia architecture, with one courtyard followed by another, and one gate after another. Historically, there were some large Taoist sect gates, advancing through nine courtyards, nine gardens, nine gates, because nine was considered the supreme number in ancient times, representing the utmost and the yang.
Each step brought a new gate, progressively moving deeper, illustrating a stringent hierarchy system. Of course, the Qingshuang Pavilion Ruins don't have the scale of nine courtyards and nine gates; there are only three in and three out, because the summit's area can't accommodate a nine-story building.
After passing through the final gate, one arrives at the highest pavilion within the ruins of Qingshuang Pavilion. Although described as an attic, it's more like a tower—a nine-story pagoda that erects like a sharp sword on the mountaintop.
