bit of research

furnace

A furnace - a stove to refine pills of immortality which are believed to lengthen one's life

reference: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/architecture/styles/chinese-temples.htm

the back entrance via a small lane

In terms of layout, a temple is always rectangular, and faces south in accordance with feng shui principles.
A wall usually surrounds the structure, and the gates are guarded by statues of warrior deities or mythical animals to fend off evil spirits.

reference: http://horchang.blogspot.my/2011/03/sze-yah-templekuala-lumpur.html