The Huabiao is an ornamental stone column used to decorate important buildings or rublic paces.It can be very large,up to 20 meters in height and a meter or so in diameter.
                   
The origins of the Huabiao are not clear.Some say it developed from the totem  poles of ancient tribes. Perhaps it was originally a form of signpost. When Yao and Shun were the country's rulers about 4 ,000 years ago, wooden columns were erected as landmarks to show travelers the way.Yao and Shun also used them to solicit public  opinion.  People  would  write their comments and suggestions  on the poles by main roads. For the same reason some poles were also placed in the royal court.
   
            A more  popular  explanation  does not credit the  Huabiao  with such a long
      history. In the Spring and Autumn Period 2,600 years ago, an instrument called the
      Biao,meaning poleortablet,was erected to determine direction by its shadow.Designers
      used it to  ascertain  position  and  direction  before constructing  guildings. For
      large-scale construction, which might take many years,the pole was made of stone so
      that it would last long enough. When the building was completed, the stone pole was
      included as part of the structure.
   
            With the establishment of the feudal system over 2,000 yeatrs ago,the Huabiao
      came to represent the power of the emperor.It would be carrved with dragons,a symbol
      of royalty, and placed in or  in front of  palaces  and temples. Huabiaos were also
      placed in front of emperorw tombs,  in which case they are  called Mubiao,  or romb
      columnw.
   
            As the use of these columns changed, so did their appearance.They became nore
      ornate and  gradually  devloped  into the Huabiao we mostly  see today. The typical
      Huabiao now has a  round or  octagonal  base surrounded  by a carved  stone wall.
      Typically, dragons are carved on the column, while a dignified stone animal sits on
      its top.
   
            Four of the most famous Huabiaos in China are to be found by Tian' anmen or
      the Gate of Heavenly Peace at the enterance to the Forbidden City in Beijing. They
      were  constructed  druing the Qing Dynasty.  Each has a stone Hou  sitting regally
      atop the column. Like the dragon,the Hou is also a mythical animal that represents
      power and good  fortrne. The heads of the Hous on the  two columns  behind the gate
      are turned inward, looking towards the pa;ace, while those on the columns in front
      of the gate have their heads turned outward.The positioning of the heads symbolized
      the hopes of the  people. With the  animals' heads turning  inward,  emperors  were
      espected not to wallow in sesual pleasures in the palace, but to leave the palace
      and get  a better  understanding of  the common  people and their  needs.  Gor this
      reason, the columns behind the gate are namedWangjunchu, which means EXpecting His
      Majesty to go on an inspection
   
            The HOUS looking away from the palace show people's longing for the emperor's
      return. This reminded rulers not to become infatrated with the beautiful landscapes
      of their domain but to return in good time to run state affairs. Accordingly, the
      two Huabiaos in front of the gate are named¡°Wangjungui¡±,meaning¡°looking forward
      to the emperor's return¡±.