Ever wondered what those tiny stone creatures perched atop the Forbidden City’s roofs are doing? 🦁⚡️ Turns out, they’re not just ancient decor—they’re celestial bodyguards with serious mythical street cred!
The Immortal Squad🔮
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the crown jewel of Beijing’s iconic palace complex, is guarded by a legendary lineup of rooftop beasts. Each with its own superpower—some ward off evil spirits, others summon rain for harvests 🌧️, and one even rides a phoenix, keeping watch over the entire squad. Talk about squad goals!
More Than Meets the Eye👀
These figures, known as Chīwén in Chinese culture, blend folklore, spirituality, and imperial symbolism. Their numbers historically indicated a building’s importance—the Hall of Supreme Harmony boasts 10, the highest honor. Imagine getting ranked by mythical creatures! 🏆
A Glimpse into History📜
Created during the Ming Dynasty, these guardians have weathered centuries of storms and sunshine. Today, they’re Insta-famous symbols of China’s rich heritage, merging art, tradition, and a touch of magic. Next time you visit the Forbidden City, look up—those tiny beasts are low-key the real MVPs. 🏮
Reference(s):
cgtn.com