Entrance to the Ming Tomb

The entrance was lined with statues of animals that followed the obelisk that you see in the foreground. The first animal was always the lion to protect the emperor. Other animals followed (elephants, rams, warriors, etc.) ending with the mythical animals (i.e. dragons). The rooftops of the buildings also had smaller versions of the animals adorning them as well (see photo later in the Forbidden City for detail).