How was the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests built without walls?

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests does not rely on walls for structural support, as is characteristic of traditional Chinese architecture. In this building system, walls are not load-bearing; instead, the structure is supported by a sophisticated frame of columns and beams.1

Specifically, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is supported by 28 massive wooden pillars arranged in three concentric circles. These pillars carry the weight of the three roof levels through a complex system of braces and architraves. Because the load is managed entirely by this timber framework, the spaces between the columns do not require solid walls and are instead filled with open latticework doors. This design reflects the broader modular approach of Chinese construction, where the post-and-lintel frame serves as the primary structural element, allowing for flexibility in how the exterior bays are enclosed.231