Puling Mausoleum's Stone Lion Statues

Date: Early 20th century photographer: Kuroda Genji source: Photographic Collection of Shenyang's Historical Sites

The third group of animal statues is a pair of lions. There is something special about this particular pair of stone lions. Chinese lion-pairs are usually made of a lion with a ball and a lioness with a cub at its foot. The statue of the lioness in Fuling Mausoleum, however, is different from this stereotyped image. The cub is seen playing naughtily with its mother's foot.

The fourth group of animal statues is a pair of squatting tigers. The shape of the tigers is unique with their tongues sticking out of their mouths, showing no sign of arrogance and looking more like a pair of cats. For the Chinese, the tiger, as the king of all animals, is believed to be able to drive away evil beings; therefore it can protect the owner of the mausoleum.

The 108 Steps of Puling Mausoleum

Date: Early 20th century photographer: Kuroda Genji source: Photographic Collection of Shenyang's Historical Sites

The main buildings of Ruling Mausoleum were built on the peak of Tianzhu Hill, while the main gate, Zhenghong Gate, and the stone animal statues were erected on the flat ground at the foot of the hill. Between them is a slope of around 45 degrees. The architect of Ruling Mausoleum built a stairway by taking full advantage of the slope's natural contour. It has 108 steps paved with blue brick, 40 meters long and seven meters wide.