Cultural Temporality of Ridge Beasts in the Shenyang Imperial Palace: Symbolic Evolution and the Construction of National Identity in Chinese Architectural Heritage

Abstract

Ridge beasts on the rooftops of the Shenyang Imperial Palace embody a unique intersection of symbolism, power, and cultural identity within Qing dynasty architecture. This study explores their symbolic evolution and cultural temporality, focusing on how these architectural ornaments were adapted to support political legitimacy and national identity construction by the Manchu regime. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates literature review, field investigation, qualitative interviews, and quantitative analysis. Fieldwork was conducted in three palace zones—Dazheng Hall, Chongzheng Hall, and Wensu Pavilion—documenting ridge beasts' type, order, and materiality. A total of 400 valid questionnaires were collected from tourists, museum interpreters, cultural planners, and Manchu descendants. SPSS was used for statistical analysis, and NVivo was used for qualitative coding. The findings reveal an evolutionary trajectory in ridge beast symbolism—from establishment to integration and eventual symbolic decline—structured along the palace's spatial hierarchy. By selectively imitating and modifying Han architectural symbolism, Manchu rulers crafted a hybrid visual system asserting continuity and difference. While 76% of respondents expressed aesthetic appreciation for ridge beasts, only 29% recognized their institutional meaning, indicating a contemporary divide between visual resonance and symbolic understanding. This study highlights the role of traditional symbols in shaping historical narratives and intercultural dynamics. It provides insights into the revitalization of heritage imagery through exhibition design, public interpretation, and cultural communication strategies.