Li Zhongxian, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, makes ridge animals in his workshop in Tongwei county, Dingxi, Gansu province, on June 12. [Photo/xgs.newgscloud.com]

The skill of making ridge beasts in Tongwei county, Dingxi, Northwest China's Gansu province, dates back to the Tang Dynasty  (618-907) and has a history of more than 1,300 years.

Appearing as auspicious beasts and creatures to decorate ridges and eaves, the design performed multiple functions in the past, protecting the building from evil spirits, preventing fire, and keep birds from landing on them, enabling the building to retain its magnificence.

In 2008, the Tongwei Ridge Beast was listed among the second batch of Gansu provincial intangible cultural heritages.