After we explored the Ming Tower and Sacrificial Hall, we had a coffee break. I wanted something with Osmanthus flowers in it and Hubs ordered this drink for me. It is some sort of soy mixed with Osmanthus... really delicious!
Now... we proceed to the Sacred Way...
This was just the beginning of Autumn and the leaves are slowly changing its colors. Imagine if you are here when the Autumn colors are bright and vibrant!
Pears
Entrance into Wengzhong Pathway
It is 250 meters long, and flanked by balusters, generals and officials, in pairs.
They are there standing tall with great dignity, guarding the tombs with loyalty.
These balusters are with cyclinder crowns at the top as well as cloud and dragon designs over the column. They are significant in the innovation of art as common balusters are usually topped with lotus flower designs.
Sacred Way
The start of the Stone Elephant Road @ Sacred Way. 615 meters long.
Along this road are 6 kinds of stone animals which include lions, Xiezhi, camels, elephants, unicorns and horses. They were carved out of whole pieces of stones. They are guardians of the tombs against evil spirits and maintaining ritual customs.
Horses
Qilin
A legendary creature in Chinese mythology. Does it look like a unicorn?
A Chinese unicorn symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Some legends mentioned that Qilins guard the gates of heavens.
Elephants
Elephants were used as tomb guardians since early Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty.
Xiezhi 獬豸
A mythical Chinese creature found in East Asian legends. A Chinese symbol of justice.
It looks like a bear here but I have seen other pictures of a Xiezhi that looks like a dragon with a horn. Legends says that this animal is capable of unveiling truths from lies by pointing its horn at a guilty person. Legends also says that one emperor had used xiezhi in his criminal proceedings so it could help detect the guilty party.
Lions
King of the all beasts. They are honored as holy beasts protecting Buddhist doctrines.
Stone lions are placed to guard imperial tombs to demonstrate the emperor's dignity and power.
Loved the stone lion the best!
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