This eaved roof (left) can be found at the Wong Tai Sin Temple complex in Kowloon in Hong Kong. From left to right the roof decorations include a dragon with a bell underneath, a man on a chicken, various guardian beasts and a carp, which is believed to bring success. The more important a building, the more guardians it includes. The number of roof levels also signifies status. Roof guardians are installed to protect the building from evil spirits, fire, etc.

This eaved roof (right) is from the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City in Beijing. As a very important building, it features more guardians than above. It includes a man on a chicken, various guardian beasts, xing she (winged demon leaning on a sword -- one of a kind at the Forbidden City) and a dragon, which symbolizes royalty and power. With 11 figures in total, the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the most important building in the Forbidden City. The double-layered roof makes the palace even more magnificent.

Animal figures on roof ridges of palaces, temples and other old buildings are not only zoomorphic ornaments of the building, but they also represent the owner's status in the feudal hierarchy.

This photo, taken at the Forbidden City in Beijing, depicts six small animals, with a large one on the far right with antlers and another on the lower part of the main ridge. A god riding on a phoenix leads the flock, followed by a kylin, phoenix, lion and other figures. It is believed that the immortal god can perceive evil spirits from far away and lead the beasts to fend them off.