Shigandang customs are the traditional heritage of worshiping spiritual stones now commonly practiced in Tai'an, Shandong province.

Small stone statues are erected at important points on bridges and roads, or inlayed in the walls of houses, to ward off evil. The statues are often engraved with the Chinese characters for Shigandang.

Folklore tells that Mount Tai has bred many gods, among whom Shigandang is a brave and strong god renown for chasing away evil and eliminating demons.

The art of making Shigandang, ornamental stone tablets used to ward off evil spirits, has been a folk custom for centuries in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo/my0538.com]

A Tai'an local artist depicts the legend of Shigandang through illustrations. [Photo/tssgd.com]