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Beyond the Pavilion is the Sacred Way (Shendao)
lined with willows, and marble statues of 24
animals and 12 officials. The animals are the
lion, camel, elephant, xiezhi (a mythological
unicorn), qilin (one of the four divine animals;
the other three are dragon, phoenix and tortoise)
and horse. Placing marble figures as an honor
guard in front of the mausoleum began in the
Han Dynasty—signifying the dignity of the
emperor and good fortune, and warding off
evil influence. There are 4 of each animal:
two standing and two squatting on either side.
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