Longfeng ("Dragon and Phoenix") Gate

Ming Tombs, Beijing (map)

This triple gate (only the central opening is shown here) stands at the north end of the spirit road, which then extends onward to the burial precincts proper. "Dragon and Phoenix" is the traditional name for this kind of gate, although no phoenix is carved here. Sitting on the middle of its cross-beam is a sculpted Buddhist jewel, set within a mandorla and resting upon a lotus throne.