Ancient Chinese architecture

The huabiao

The huabiao is a marble ornamental pillar engraved with entwisting dragons and auspicious clouds, used to decorate important buildings in China.

The history of huabiao

According to the legends, the first such pillars were used about 4,000 years ago when yao and shun were the country’s rulers. At that time, they were made of wood, not marble, and they were not just ornamental. They were landmarks used for travelling. Later, Yao and Shun found another use for the pillars. They were used as suggestion boxes of a sort. The common people could post comments and advice for their ruler on the poles.

A more plausible theory about the origin of this type of pillar focuses on an ancient instrument for measurement. In the spring and autumn period, before a building was constructed, the designers erected a pole. This pole, called “biao” in Chinese, cast a shadow on the ground which helped the designers determine the proper directions. Since many construction projects lasted over long periods of time and a durable “compass” was needed, the pole was made of stone. When the building was completed the stone pole was incorporated into the structure.

With the establishment of the feudal system over 2,000 years ago, the Huabiao came to represent the power of the emperor. It would be carved with dragons, a symbol of royalty, and placed in or in front of palaces and temples. Huabiaos were also placed in front of emperors’ tombs. In this case they were called Mubiao, or tomb columns.

As the use of these columns changed, so did their appearance. They became more ornate and gradually developed into the Huabiao we mostly see in China today. The typical Huabiao now has a round or \octagonal base surrounded by a carved stone wall. Typically, dragons are carved on the column, while a dignified stone animal sits on its top.

Beast sitting on the top of Huabiao

Four of the most famous Huabiaos in China are to be found at Tian’an-men or the Gate of Heavenly Peace at the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing. They were constructed during the Qing Dynasty. Each has a stone Hou sitting regally on top of the column. Like the dragon, the Hou is also a mythical animal that represents power and good fortune. The heads of the Hou on the two columns behind the gate are turned inward, looking toward the palace, while those on the columns in front of the gate have their heads turned outward. The positioning of the heads symbolized the hopes of the people. With the animals’ heads turning inward, emperors were expected not to allow in sensual pleasures in the palace, but to leave the palace and get a better understanding of the common people and their needs. For this reason, the columns behind the gate are named “Wangjunchu”, which means “expecting His Majesty to go on an inspection”.

The Hou looking away from the palace shows people’s longing for the emperors’ return. This reminded rulers not to become infatuated with the beautiful landscapes of their domain but to return in good time to run state affairs. Accordingly, the two Huabiaos in front of the gate are named “Wangjungui”, meaning “looking forward to the emperors’ return”