Dragon spouts (chishou, lit. “chi-dragon head”)

The dragon spouts (chishou, lit. “chi-dragon head”) installed around the three-tiered sumeru-terrace of the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe dian) are used as drainage spouts to prevent water accumulation around the hall. During torrential rains, water cascades from the mouths of the over 1,000 dragon spouts in an impressive display.