A sacred way, spirit way, spirit road, spirit path, etc. is the ornate road leading to a Chinese tomb of a major dignitary. The sacred way is lined on both sides by a succession of statues, pillars, and stelae. The statues along the spirit way depict real and mythical animals, as well as civilian and military officials.
Spirit way at the Ming Dynasty Tombs outside of Beijing.
Spirit way of Kong Zhengan in the Cemetery of Confucius
Two of Xiao Xiu's stele-bearing turtles, and the base of one of the two columns
A bixie from the tomb of Xiao Jing (Liang dynasty)
Huabiao is a type of ceremonial column used in traditional Chinese architecture. Huabiao are traditionally erected in pairs in front of palaces and tombs. The prominence of their placement have made them one of the emblems of traditional Chinese culture. When placed outside palaces, they can also be called bangmu. When placed outside a tomb, they can also be called shendaozhu.
A huabiao in front of the Tiananmen in Beijing.
The mythical creature atop a huabiao.
A modern huabiao at Chinese Culture University in Taipei.
A singular huabiao in Xinghai Square in Dalian.