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Roof guardians: Celestial sentries of Chinese architecture

CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN
Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN
Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN
Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN
Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN
Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Roof creatures, a symbol of China's traditional architecture. /CGTN

Look up at any ancient Chinese roof and you'll spot mythical beasts perched on top, like celestial guards. More than ornamentation, they symbolize cosmic order and protect against evil. From imperial palaces to humble temples, they bridge heaven and earth.

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