Guardian Lion at the Avenue of Animals

Stone Guardian Lion This stone lion is on the Avenue of Animals which forms part of the Sacred Way leading to the Ming Tombs. The guy leaning against the lion was a Japanese student studying at the university. The male Japanese students stood out because they all had up-market trainers which were rarely worn by the Chinese.

The lion is a typical Chinese 'Guardian Lion', owing more to mythology than zoology. Note the Guardian Lion's demonic fangs and the collar which is a symbol of authority.

This photograph was taken on a visit organised by Renmin University.