Ornamental Pillars

Ornamental Pillars

The ornamental pillars, also known as Huabiao, can be found inside and outside Tiananmen Square, at the Ming Tombs, and on the campus of Peking University. Also referred to as "Biangmu" (Pillars of Criticism), they are said to date back to the era of Emperors Yao and Shun. Originally, these "Biangmu" were mostly erected along major transportation routes, allowing people to write suggestions or comment on politics, while also serving as road signs. It was during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty that they began to be called Huabiao. Later, they were often installed in front of bridges, palaces, city walls, or tombs as markers, and gradually evolved into decorative features beside buildings. Those placed in front of tombs are called "Mubiao" (Tomb Pillars), most of which are made of stone, with carved designs such as coiled dragons on the shafts, and cloud plates or crouching beasts at the top. The crouching beast atop the pillar is called a "Wangtianhou" (Heaven-Gazing Beast). Examples can be seen in locations such as the Ming Tombs and Peking University.

Location

Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District, Beijing