Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Ancient Chinese architectural complexes embody profound cultural genetic codes of ritual.As the central ceremonial venue for the imperial <italic>Feng</italic> and <italic>Shan</italic> sacrifices (sacrifices to Heaven and Earth), the Dai Temple developed a distinctive ritual spatial order over nearly two millennia of evolution.The visibility graph analysis (VGA) model of space syntax can quantitatively reveal the ritual spatial order and narrative logic of the Dai Temple complex; however, research on this topic remains limited.Based on historical records, this study reconstructs the layout of the Dai Temple complex during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty.Using the visibility graph analysis (VGA) of space syntax, the ritual spatial system of the Dai Temple complex is quantitatively analyzed to explore its spatial narrative mechanisms and ritual connotations.The findings are as follows:(1) Visual integration values along the central ritual axis rise from low to high and then decline, peaking in the courtyard of the <bold>Ren’an Gate</bold> —the culmination of the ritual prelude known as the “ <bold>One Ceremonial Archway and Three Gates</bold> .”This indicates that variations in visual accessibility shape a well-ordered rhythmic framework of opening and continuation along the central axis. (2)Visual mean depth values increase progressively along the processional direction of the central ritual axis, peaking at the <bold>Qin Gong</bold> , thereby revealing a progressive ritual spatial sequence from openness to seclusion. As the location with the highest depth value across the entire Dai Temple complex, <bold>the Zhubi Pavilion (Pavilion of Imperial Rest)</bold> exhibits the strongest seclusion, which precisely matches its function as a place of rest and repose for the emperor during his temporary stay.(3) The clustering coefficient exhibits a primary and a secondary peak along the central ritual axis, corresponding respectively to <bold>Peitian Gate</bold> and <bold>Junjidian Hall</bold> . This directly reveals a ritual spatial narrative in which the rhythmic contraction and expansion of visibility aligns with the ritual processional sequence.(4) The cross-coupling of integration value and clustering coefficient further classifies the space into four functional types: core ritual spaces, prelude and transition spaces, service spaces, and auxiliary support spaces.(5)The dynamic isovist results show that through the rhythmic regulation of the expansion and contraction of the isovist area along the ceremonial path, a well-balanced spatial rhythm of tension and relaxation is created, thereby fostering a solemn and reverential atmosphere of ritual propriety for the rituals of homage.These research findings can provide both a solid theoretical basis and scientific support for the conservation-oriented adaptive reuse of the Dai Temple as a World Heritage site, as well as for the inheritance and promotion of traditional Chinese ritual culture. </p>