[1] They can be constructed from a variety of materials such as brick, wood, stone, or glazed tile.

Particularly ornate spirit screens featuring a dragon motif are the Nine-Dragon Walls that can be found in imperial palaces and gardens.

[3][5] Practically, they allow natural light and air circulation to enter a room, while obstructing vision.

Archaeological evidence has established the existence of spirit screens back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE).

[6] During the times of the Western Zhou, spirit screens were a privilege reserved for palaces and the mansions of noblemen such as dukes or princes.