Imperial rampway

The first time I saw the “imperial rampway” I was surprised at the incredibly realistic feel of the dragon. It practically looked like it was ready to jump out of the marble and come straight for me. In its right talons it grasps an imperial seal, a symbol of authority, and in its left talons it grips a pearl, symbol of wealth.



An imperial rampway is reserved for the emperor’s use in entering and exiting the imperial palace, but in a place like Lungshan Temple it might be more accurately called a “divine rampway” since its use here is for transporting the palanquins of the gods in and out of the temple. The rampway features dragons executed in beautiful relief. If today’s asphalt roads were done so beautifully I would hesitate to use them. Don’t forget to check out the imperial rampway if you get a chance to visit Lungshan Temple, but just be sure to remember your station in life -- you’re not the emperor or the temple’s patron deity, so watch where you step!