There will be stone lions on both sides of the entrance to the palace. This stone lion witnessed the changes of dynasties. It represents the rights of the emperor and is very particular from the perspective of geomantic omen. However, the rumors and taboos about these lions have never stopped. There are several reasons why tour guides don't let tourists take photos with Shishi.
According to the records in unofficial history, the souls of many people who died unjustly were sealed in stone lions, and it was rumored that taking a note would bring bad things. One of the stories happened during the reign of Daoguang in Qing Dynasty. It is said that one of Daoguang's sons was very angry because he was young and playful and didn't listen to the teacher's discipline. Without giving him a chance to explain, he was killed next to the stone lion. Later, the emperor calmed down and missed his son very much. When he passed the Shishi again, he saw the scene of his son's tragic death. Every time you pass the Imperial Capital, you will see the same scene. In the end, there was no choice but to have the lion covered with red cloth. Palace people have been very taboo since then, and this matter has been widely circulated, so that the truth of the matter cannot be verified.
There is also a saying that stone lions are very spiritual things. In ancient China, the lion was sacred to the emperor and was also one of the taboos in the Forbidden City. Most people can't touch it, just like people say, go to the temple to worship God, and don't take a photo with Guanyin Bodhisattva. Of course, this may be just a superstition and a belief.