Rooftop ridge beasts on the Forbidden City

The rooftop ridge beasts on the Forbidden City, at the very front is the Immortal Riding a Phoenix, followed by Dragon, Phoenix, Lion, Seahorse, Pegasus, Xiayu, Suanni, Xiezhi, Dou Niu, and Hang Shi. The model is quite large and is divided into two models.

“Five Ridges and Six Beasts” Rhyme

First Dragon, Second Phoenix, Third Lion,

Seahorse, Pegasus, Sixth Xiayu,

Suanni, Xiezhi, Ninth Dou Niu,

Finally, Hang Shi resembles a monkey.

The Immortal Riding a Phoenix: Legend has it that during the Warring States period, King Min of Qi was defeated by a Yan general and frantically cornered by a great river. Just as he was about to commit suicide, a phoenix appeared before him. In this critical moment, King Min of Qi rode it to escape pursuit. The ancients invited him to guard the ridge end, symbolizing turning peril into safety and overcoming adversity.

The Dragon is the first glazed component among the beasts following the Immortal. The dragon is the embodiment of auspiciousness and majesty, a symbol of the Son of Heaven, combining the virtues of various animals, the spirit of all things, and possessing infinite power.

The Phoenix is the glazed component ranked second among the beasts, after the Dragon. The phoenix is the king of all birds, symbolizing auspiciousness, peace throughout the land, national prosperity and people's well-being, and a happy and fulfilling life.

The Lion is the glazed component ranked third among the beasts, after the Phoenix. The lion is the king of beasts, a protector king in Buddhism, symbolizing loyalty, bravery, and majesty.

The Pegasus is the glazed component ranked fourth among the beasts, after the Lion. Pegasus travels a thousand miles a day, chasing wind and sun, soaring high above the ground. It is an auspicious and loyal beast, symbolizing the boundless imperial might.

The Seahorse is the glazed component ranked fifth among the beasts, after the Pegasus. The seahorse can enter seas and abysses, turning peril into safety. It is a loyal and auspicious beast, symbolizing imperial might as deep as the ocean.

Suanni (suān ní) is the glazed component ranked sixth among the beasts, after the Seahorse. Suanni is one of the Nine Sons of the Dragon, revered as a fierce beast similar to a lion, incomparably brave.

Xiayu (yā) (also known as Xiayu, xiā fish) is the glazed component ranked seventh among the beasts, after Suanni. Xiayu resembles the ancient 'Qiu Long,' a horned young dragon, with a fish-like caudal fin. It is a mythical creature combining fish and beast, capable of warding off disasters, preventing fires, and bringing clouds and rain, an embodiment of auspiciousness.

Xiezhi (xiè zhì) is the glazed component ranked eighth among the beasts, after Xiayu. Xiezhi has a peculiar appearance, resembling a dragon with a lion's tail and horns. Xiezhi's character is loyal, brave, and upright, adept at discerning right from wrong, upholding justice, and is the embodiment of righteousness, symbolizing imperial integrity and selflessness.

Dou Niu (dǒu niú) is the glazed component ranked ninth among the beasts, after Xiezhi. It resembles a bull, covered in scales and possessing the demeanor of a dragon. Dou Niu is the legendary embodiment of Qiu Chi, often appearing as clouds and mist by the roadside during overcast and rainy weather, capable of warding off disasters, preventing fires, and bringing clouds and rain, turning peril into safety.

Hang Shi (háng shí) is ranked tenth, hence its name. Hang Shi has double wings on its back, holds a Vajra pestle, can subdue demons and monsters, and is the legendary Lei Zhenzi, possessing extraordinary powers to prevent lightning, avert disasters, and punish evil while promoting good.