Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (石獅; shíshī). They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs / fu dogs.

These stylized guardian lions, known in Chinese as shi or shishi (石獅 shíshī /shrr-shrr/ 'stone-lions' — there's a popular tongue-twister associated with the tones), sometimes as 'Foo Dogs' in English, originating not in China itself, but in Persia.

They are the Chinese guardian lions. In some texts they are erroneously called Fu Dogs because they look more like dogs than lions.

Imperial Guardian (in Chinese 石狮, Pinyin: Shíshī - Stone Lion) are also called Fu Lion, Foo Lion or Fu dog. Modern and traditional form of Stone LIons, at a Chinese Temple in Pakse, Lao PDR.

Feb 13, 2022 · They are depicted ad guardian lions according to Chinese mythology, and the idea of the guard dog was introduced to the Chinese during the reign of the Han Dynasty. It was introduced to China through the Silk Road , and the lions were first seen in Central Asian states.

Jun 7, 2023 · Chinese Stone Lions are commonly placed at the entrances of various structures, including temples, palaces, and important buildings. They are believed to act as guardians, protecting these spaces from negative energies, evil spirits, and disasters.

Oct 21, 2024 · Chinese guardian lions, commonly called stone lions in China and sometimes called foo dogs in the West, hold deep cultural significance in Chinese tradition. These magnificent sculptures, often found at the entrance of important buildings, are not merely decorative pieces but rather powerful symbols that carry a profound meaning.

Oct 1, 2024 · The Stone Lion, or “Shishi,” holds a prominent place in Chinese culture, often seen standing guard at the entrances of temples, homes, and government buildings. These majestic sculptures embody the spirit of protection and strength and are deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese mythology.

Chinese guardian lions, known as Shishi lions (Chinese: 石獅; pinyin: shíshī; literally "stone lion") or Imperial guardian lion, and often incorrectly called "Foo Dogs" in the West, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China.

Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (Chinese: 石獅; pinyin: shíshī). They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs / fu dogs.