What is Huabiao

The Huabiao, also known as the Wasted Table, is a stone pillar in front of the palace gate for the ancient kings to give advice.

Once upon a time, the Huabiao was originally a wooden pillar used to point the way through a thoroughfare, and after being used by kings as an admonition facility, it was later developed into a decorative building in front of tombs, temples, and bridges.

The pillar body has a huge dragon circling up, above the horizontal insertion of a cloud board, auspicious clouds, the top of the pillar squatting a beast named "Hao". In addition, in the capital city bridge and the emperor's tomb also stands in front of a similar Huabiao, modeling slightly different, different beasts. However, only the two pairs of Huabiao in front of and behind Tiananmen Square are said to contain some warnings about the emperor's governance.

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On the origin of the Huabiao

Scholars have many different stories about the origin of the Huabiao. Some say it originated from ancient road signs, some say it originated from totem worship, and some say it originated from observation instruments.

Legend has it that during the Yao and Shun eras, the two rulers, in order to receive advice, i.e., listen to opinions with an open mind, erected wooden pillars on major transportation routes and on top of the imperial halls, allowing people to write their advice on them and encouraging them to give their opinions and suggestions.

The Huabiao in front of Tiananmen Square in Beijing for the Ming Dynasty building, on the cloud board, Huagai, squatting beasts, columns carved in relief with dragons exceptionally fine, for the Ming Dynasty masterpiece of stone carving.

China.com - The past and present life of the Huabiao

China.com - Watching the Huabiao