Chinese Guardian Lions, occasionally referred to as "Foo Dogs" in the Western world, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. In contrast to European depictions of lions, Guardian Lions are shown with bulging eyes, curled fur and a fearsome snarl to ward off evil or unwelcome spirits. These lion statues come in pairs, one male and one female, to represent balance and harmony.

Despite being an iconic piece of Chinese architecture, Guardian Lions have original ties to Persia. These fearsome statues were presented as gifts to the Han court by Persian diplomats and rose to become a symbol of the rich and powerful by the 6th Century CE. The image of a lion resonated well in China due to the associated imagery in Buddhism, where it is seen as a protector of spiritual teaching.

石獅子，在西方有時被稱之為「福狗」，是中國傳統的建築裝飾品。 與歐洲對獅子的描繪不同，石獅子的眼睛凸出，毛皮捲曲，可怕的咆哮是為了抵禦邪惡或不受歡迎的靈魂。 這些石獅子雕像必是成對出現，一雄一雌，代表平衡與和諧。

儘管石獅子為中國的標誌性建築，但石獅子的來源卻要追溯自波斯。 原來，這些可怕的雕像被波斯外交官作為禮物贈送給漢朝宮廷，於公元 6 世紀更成為了富人和強權的象徵。 由於相關佛教圖像中的獅子被視為精神教義的保護者，獅子在中國有著守護萬家燈火的形象。