Imperial guardian lions
Chinese imperial guardian lions were placed at the entrances to important official buildings and gates during China's imperial period (before October 1, 1911 C.E.). Now they are common as decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, and other structures.
The lions are generally present in pairs. To the intruder's right will be the male lion, with his right paw on a globe, representing his "feeling the pulse of the earth". To the intruder's left will be the female, essentially identical in appearance, but playing with her single cub with her left paw.
