Hua Biao

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In ancient Chinese architecture, it is usual to find ornamental structures Peripherally placed around the main body of buildings, in such a way that together they form an organic and harmonious whole. Huabiao , an ornamentalcolumn erected in front of palace, tomb, etc.
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Beneath the ornamental columns stands a pair of beautifully carved stone lions in attitudes of perfect submissiveness. The lion to the west has one paw on an embroidered ball, with its head turned slightly to the east and its eyes gazing westward. The lioness to the east is playing with a cub, with her head turned to the west and her eyes gazing eastward. That the bold and powerful king of the beasts should be reduced to an obedient watchdog in the presence of the emperor is a clear manifestation of the Son of Heaven's supreme authority.

One of salient features of Tian'anmen is a pair of 10-metre-high white marble ornamental columns topped by a "dish for collecting dew." A craved stone animal known as a "heaven gazing hou " (a small, lion-like legendary creature) squats inside each dish. The purpose of these dishes was to catch the "jade dew" imbibed by the emperor to ensure long life. Each of the carved ornamental columns at Tian'anmen weighs more than 10 tons. Huabiao is also said to be an ancient testament to the institution of xin fang信访 (complaint- lodging) , or literally letters sent, and visits made, to the authorities.

Today , xinfang is a reliable channel to reflect the problems of grassroots society to both the government and the Party; and serves a bridge between policy-makers and common people. Handling complaints every day would help the officials feel the pressure of governance, and enhance social responsibility. If more officials have the experience of dealing with complaints things will be better. It demonstrates the government's commitment to solving social problems. Some mausoleums are also guarded by huabiao (more precisely,shendaozhu ) to add to the solemnity of the place and inspire awe.