Immediately across from (north of) the gigantically huge Tiananmen Square is the Imperial City, the outer portion that leads to the Forbidden City. These pillars (hua biao crossed by clouds and topped with mythical beasts flank the entry way. There are 4 beasts in all, two facing out, to call the emperor back if he has spent too much time away, and two inside the wall facing in, to call the emperor out if he has spent too much time with his concubines.