The Hanging Guardian Beast
The Hanging Guardian Beast, also known as the Horned Beast, is an ornamental feature commonly found on the eaves of traditional Chinese architecture. Shaped like the head of a beast with two horns, it is positioned behind the smaller decorative figures on the ridgeline. Embedded with iron nails, the Hanging Guardian Beast prevents the tiles on the ridgeline from sliding and reinforces the structural junctions where the ridges intersect.

The Ornamental Roof Tile End
The Ornamental Roof Tile End refers to the circular ornamental piece at the front end of curved roof tiles along the eaves.
The Drip Tile is the triangular tile located at the lowest point of the roof’s water channel.
Both serve to prevent rainwater from flowing back into the structure and to guide water downward, protecting the eaves and the building. Their surfaces are often adorned with auspicious patterns, such as cloud motifs, floral designs, or depictions of mythical creatures.

The Small Beasts
The Small Beasts, also known as Zou Shou, are typically depicted in a crouching posture and modeled after mythical auspicious creatures. Symbolizing protection against fire, water, and evil forces, they hold deep symbolic significance. The number of small beasts on a structure corresponds to the building’s hierarchical status, usually appearing in odd numbers, ranging from five to eleven.