Created 21-Oct-14
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Leading to Chinese Imperial Tombs, there usually is a Sacred Way (or Divine Road) – the road leading to heaven. The Emperor, known as the Son of the Heaven, came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way, also deservedly would return to Heaven through this road.The road is lined with stone statues. These statues include twelve human figures (the general, civil officials and meritorious officials) and 24 animals which are lion, camel, elephant, xiezhi (a mythological unicorn), qilin (one of the four "divine animals, the other three are dragon, phoenix and tortoise), and horse. There are four of each of these animals: two standing and two squatting with different meanings. Lion symbolizes awesome solemnity because of their ferocity. Camel and elephant are meant to suggest the vastness of the territory controlled by the court, because they are dependable transport in desert and tropics. Xiezhi was put there to keep evil spirits away, because it was believed to possess the sixth sense to tell right and wrong. Qilin, an auspicious symbol, was placed on two sides. Horse, as the emperor's mount, is absolutely indispensable. It is said that these animals is supposed to change guard at midnight.(source:
www.travelchinaguide.com)
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