A glimpse of auspicious creatures on rooftops of ancient architecture in China's Shanxi

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of an ancient building at Dongyue Temple in Wanrong County of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

A drone photo taken on Nov. 18, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of Taiheyan archway in Jiexiu City of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 14, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of an ancient building at Guandi Temple in Yuncheng City of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of an ancient building at Dongyue Temple in Wanrong County of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 18, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of an ancient building at Houtu Temple in Jiexiu City of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2025 shows auspicious creatures on the rooftop of an ancient building of Fuxiang Shrine in Pinglu County of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of an ancient building in Dongyue Temple in Wanrong County of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 14, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of an ancient building at Guandi Temple in Yuncheng City of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 25, 2025 shows auspicious creatures on the rooftop of an ancient building at the ancient city of Yuci in Jinzhong City of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows decorative parts on the rooftop of an ancient building at Dongyue Temple in Wanrong County of north China's Shanxi Province. Auspicious creatures are often seen on the rooftops of ancient architecture in north China's Shanxi Province. Those creatures, originally used for water-proofing, moisture-proofing and ridge protection, have evolved through the times and formed the shapes of dragon, phoenix and lion, conveying people's wishes of warding off evil and fire, and also bringing fortune. Gradually, they became the symbols of power judged by the number, quality and colors in ancient times. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)