Huabiao

　　The Huabiao are located inside and outside Tiananmen, at the Ming Tombs, and within Peking University. Also known as "Biangmu" (pillars for public criticism), they are said to date back to the era of Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun. Originally, these "Biangmu" were mostly erected along major thoroughfares for people to write suggestions and comment on politics, while also serving as road signs. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, they began to be called Huabiao. Later, they were commonly placed in front of bridges, palaces, city walls, or tombs as markers, and gradually evolved into decorative ornaments beside buildings. Those placed in front of tombs are called "Mubiao" (tomb pillars), most of which are made of stone. The shafts are carved with patterns such as coiled dragons, and the tops feature cloud plates or crouching beasts. The crouching beasts on the pillars are called "Wangtianhou" (Celestial Gazing Beasts). They can be found at Tiananmen, the Ming Tombs, and Peking University.