Hongcun Village, Anhui Province, China, Oct, 2026. /CGTN

Hongcun Village, Anhui Province, China, Oct, 2026. /CGTN

Hongcun Village, Anhui Province, China, Oct, 2026. /CGTN

Hongcun Village, Anhui Province, China, Oct, 2026. /CGTN

The mythical fish-dragon symbolizes fire suppression as well as outstanding achievement. It mostly appears as a brick or ceramic adornment on ancestral halls and gate towers.

The shape of a magpie’s tail, fashioned from curved brick, stands for good fortune. It is widely used on residential buildings.

Auspicious messages are carved into this stately square adornment. These are found on the mansions of wealthy merchant families, conveying the owners’ wish for their offspring’s academic success.

Modelled on the tablets held by officials at court, this decoration is tall and slender, symbolizing lofty ambition and the prospect of promotion to high office. You’ll find it on the largest of mansions.