Page "Chinese guardian lions" Paragraph 22

The Asiatic lions were once quite common throughout its historic range in Southwest and Central Asia and are believed to be the ones depicted by the guardian lions in Chinese culture.

With increased trade during the Han dynasty and cultural exchanges through the Silk road, lions were introduced into China from the ancient states of Central Asia by peoples of Sogdiana, Samarkand, and the Yuezhi ( 月氏 ) in the form of pelts and live tribute, along with stories about them from Buddhist priests and travelers of the time.

This exchange can be seen in that the Chinese word for lion is " Shi " ( 師, later 獅 / 狮 ), which shares the same etymological roots as " Shiar " ( شیر ), the Persian language name for the animal.