View source for Chinese dragon

{{Short description|Legendary creature in Chinese mythology}}
{{Redirect|Loong|the airlines|Loong Air|the MIPS-like microprocessors|Loongson#LoongArch{{!}}LoongArch}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox mythical creature
| image               = Chinese dragon asset heraldry.svg
| caption             = The [[Azure Dragon]] depicted on the [[flag of the Qing dynasty]]
| Folklore            = [[Chinese mythology]]
| Grouping            = [[Legendary creature|Mythical creature]]
| Sub_Grouping        = [[Dragon]]
| Country             = China
}}
{{Infobox Chinese
| pic      = Dragon (Chinese characters).svg
| piccap   = "Dragon" in [[oracle bone script]] (top left), [[Chinese bronze inscriptions|bronze script]] (top right), [[seal script]] (middle left), Traditional (middle right), Japanese new-style (''[[shinjitai]]'', bottom left), and Simplified (bottom right) Chinese characters
| picupright = 0.4
| t        = 龍
| s        = 龙
| p        = lóng
| bpmf     = ㄌㄨㄥˊ
| w        = {{tonesup|lung2}}
| mi       = {{IPAc-cmn|l|ong|2}}
| suz      = lón
| j        = lung4
| y        = lùhng
| ci       = {{IPAc-yue|l|ung|4}}
| tl       = {{zhwb|lîng|liông}}
| oc-zz    = &ast;b·roŋ or &ast;mroːŋ
| oc-bs    = &ast;mə-roŋ
| mc       = lɨoŋ
| lmz      = {{tonesup|lon3}}
}}

The '''Chinese dragon''' or '''loong'''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lau |first=Chris |date=2024-02-16 |title=Happy New Year of the Dragon - or should that be 'Loong'? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/16/china/happy-new-year-of-the-dragon-or-loong-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=CNN}}</ref> is a [[legendary creature]] in [[Chinese mythology]], [[Chinese folklore]], and [[Chinese culture]] generally. Chinese dragons have many animal-like forms, such as [[Bixi (mythology)|turtles]] and [[Chiwen|fish]], but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. Academicians have identified four reliable theories on the origin of the Chinese dragon: [[Snakes in Chinese mythology|snakes]], [[Chinese alligator]]s, [[thunder worship]] and [[nature worship]].{{sfn|Meccarelli|2021|pp=123–142}} They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water and weather.<ref name=":32">{{Cite book |last1=Carlson |first1=Kathie |title=The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images |last2=Flanagin |first2=Michael N. |last3=Martin |first3=Kathleen |last4=Martin |first4=Mary E. |last5=Mendelsohn |first5=John |last6=Rodgers |first6=Priscilla Young |last7=Ronnberg |first7=Ami |last8=Salman |first8=Sherry |last9=Wesley |first9=Deborah A. |publisher=[[Taschen]] |year=2010 |isbn=978-3-8365-1448-4 |editor-last=Arm |editor-first=Karen |location=Köln |page=48 |editor-last2=Ueda |editor-first2=Kako |editor-last3=Thulin |editor-first3=Anne |editor-last4=Langerak |editor-first4=Allison |editor-last5=Kiley |editor-first5=Timothy Gus |editor-last6=Wolff |editor-first6=Mary}}</ref>

== Symbolism ==
[[File:三星堆-青铜龙 Sanxingdui bronze Chinese dragon.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Bronze dragon from [[Sanxingdui]], [[Shang dynasty]]]]
[[File:Dragon Pendant, Eastern Zhou dynasty or Warring States period, c 4th 3rd century BC.jpg|thumb|Jade dragon pendants, Zhou dynasty]]
[[File:Jade Openwork Disk with Dragon and Phoenix 2.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Jade Openwork Disk, [[Nanyue]] (203–111 BC)]]
[[File:Coffin board with dragon engraving.jpg|thumb|Dragon carving on a tomb, [[Liao dynasty]] (916–1125)]]

Historically, the Chinese dragon was associated with the [[emperor of China]] and used as a symbol to represent imperial power. [[Liu Bang]], the founder of the [[Han dynasty]], claimed that he was conceived after his mother dreamt of a dragon.<ref name="identity">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T7AL_qGOBsYC&pg=PA77 |title=The Construction of Racial Identities in China and Japan |first=Frank |last=Dikötter |pages=76–77 |publisher=C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd |date=10 November 1997 |isbn=978-1-85065-287-8}}</ref> During the [[Tang dynasty]], emperors wore robes with dragon motif as an imperial symbol, and high officials might also be presented with dragon robes. In the [[Yuan dynasty]], the two-horned, five-clawed dragon was designated for use by the [[Son of Heaven]] or emperor only, while the four-clawed dragon was used by the princes and nobles.<ref name="komaroff"/> Similarly, during the Ming and [[Qing dynasty]], the five-clawed dragon was strictly reserved for use by the emperor only. The dragon in the Qing dynasty appeared on the [[flag of the Qing dynasty]].<ref name="Sleeboom">Sleeboom, Margaret  (2004). ''Academic Nations in China and Japan Framed in concepts of Nature, Culture and the Universal''. Routledge publishing. {{ISBN|0-415-31545-X}}</ref>

The dragon is sometimes used in the West as a [[national emblem]] of China, though such use is not commonly seen in the People's Republic of China or [[Taiwan]]. Instead, it is generally used as the symbol of culture. In [[Hong Kong]], the dragon was a component of the [[coat of arms of Hong Kong|coat of arms]] under British rule. It was later to become a feature of the design of [[Brand Hong Kong]], a government promotional symbol.<ref>[http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/brandhk/eview.htm "Brand Overview"], Brand Hong Kong, 09-2004 Retrieved 23 February 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223104613/http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/brandhk/eview.htm |date=23 December 2008}}</ref>

The Chinese dragon has very different connotations from the [[European dragon]] – in European cultures, the dragon is a fire-breathing creature with aggressive connotations, whereas the Chinese dragon is a spiritual and cultural symbol that represents prosperity and good luck, as well as a rain deity that fosters harmony. It was reported that the Chinese government decided against using the dragon as its official [[2008 Summer Olympics]] mascot because of the aggressive connotations that dragons have outside of China and chose more "friendly" symbols instead.<ref name="Chinese Prefer Dragon">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6171963.stm "Fiery Debate Over China's Dragon"], BBC News, an article covering China's decision not to use a dragon mascot and the resulting disappointment.</ref>
Sometimes Chinese people use the term "Descendants of the Dragon" ({{zhi|t=龍的傳人|s=龙的传人}}) as a sign of ethnic identity, as part of a trend started in the 1970s when different Asian nationalities were looking for animal symbols as representations. For example, the wolf may be used by the Mongols as it is considered to be their legendary ancestor.<ref name="identity"/><ref name="Sleeboom" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.upenn.edu/coursepages/hist086/material/Mongols1.html |title=The Mongolian Message |access-date=28 November 2016 |archive-date=13 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613184640/http://www.history.upenn.edu/coursepages/hist086/material/Mongols1.html}}</ref>

=== State usage ===
The dragon was the symbol of the Chinese emperor for many dynasties. During the Qing dynasty, the [[Azure Dragon]] was featured on the first Chinese national flag. It was featured again on the [[Twelve Symbols national emblem]], which was used during the [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]], from 1913 to 1928.

The [[Vietnamese dragon|dragon]] has been used as a state symbol in Vietnam. During the [[Nguyễn dynasty]], the dragon was featured on the imperial standards. It was also featured on the coats of arms of the [[State of Vietnam]], and later [[South Vietnam]].
[[File:Imperial Standard of Nguyen Dynasty1.svg|thumb|Imperial standard of emperors [[Khải Định]] and [[Bảo Đại]], 1922–1945]]

== Worship ==
{{Main|Longshen}}

=== Origin ===
The ancient Chinese self-identified as "the gods of the dragon" because the Chinese dragon is an imagined reptile that represents evolution from the ancestors and ''[[qi]]'' energy.<ref name="Zai 2015">Dr Zai, J. [https://books.google.com/books?id=-WzMCQAAQBAJ ''Taoism and Science: Cosmology, Evolution, Morality, Health and more'']. Ultravisum, 2015.</ref> Dragon-like motifs of a [[zoomorphic]] composition in reddish-brown stone have been found at the Chahai site (Liaoning) in the Xinglongwa culture (6200–5400 BC).{{sfn|Meccarelli|2021|pp=123–142}}
The presence of dragons within Chinese culture dates back several thousands of years with the discovery of a dragon statue dating back to the fifth millennium BC from the [[Yangshao culture]] in Henan in 1987,<ref>{{cite book |author=Howard Giskin and Bettye S. Walsh |title=An introduction to Chinese culture through the family |publisher=[[State University of New York Press]] |year=2001 |isbn=0-7914-5047-3 |page=126}}</ref> and jade badges of rank in coiled form have been excavated from the [[Hongshan culture]] {{Circa|4700}}–2900 BC.<ref>[http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_sl01.htm "Teaching Chinese Archeology"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211223345/http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_sl01.htm |date=11 February 2008}}, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.</ref> Some of the earliest Dragon artifacts are the [[pig dragon]] carvings from the Hongshan culture.

The coiled dragon or snake form played an important role in early Chinese culture. The character for "dragon" in the earliest [[Chinese character|Chinese writing]] has a similar coiled form, as do later jade dragon amulets from the Shang period.<ref>Salviati, Filippo (2002). ''The Language of Adornment: Chinese Ornaments of Jade, Crystal, Amber and Glass'', Fig. 17. Ten Speed Press. {{ISBN|1-58008-587-3}}.</ref>

Ancient Chinese referred to unearthed fossil bones as "[[dragon bones]]" and documented them as such. For example, [[Chang Qu]] in 300 BC documents the discovery of "dragon bones" in [[Sichuan]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Dong Zhiming |year=1992 |title=Dinosaurian Faunas of China |publisher=China Ocean Press, Beijing |isbn=3-540-52084-8 |author-link=Dong Zhiming}}</ref> "Dragon bones" have been used both historically and in modern times in [[Traditional Chinese Medicine|traditional Chinese medicine]]. Scientific examination of "dragon bones" from the 19th century to the present suggests they most commonly are remains of fossil [[Cenozoic]] mammals, such as the extinct horse ''[[Hipparion]]''.<ref>von Koenigswald, G. H. R. (1952). [https://digitallibrary.amnh.org/bitstreams/40fb1156-b20c-4039-a334-c0b2f83faa0a/download ''Gigantopithecus blacki'' von Koenigswald, a giant fossil hominoid from the Pleistocene of southern China]. Anthropological papers of the AMNH; v. 43, pt. 4.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Oguri |first1=Kazuki |last2=Nishioka |first2=Yuichiro |last3=Kobayashi |first3=Yoshitsugu |last4=Takahashi |first4=Kyoko |date=July 2017 |title=Taxonomic examination of longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, "dragon bone") and a related crude drug, longchi (Dens Draconis, "dragon tooth"), from Japanese and Chinese crude drug markets |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11418-016-1062-5 |journal=Journal of Natural Medicines |language=en |volume=71 |issue=3 |pages=463–471 |doi=10.1007/s11418-016-1062-5 |pmid=28220276 |issn=1340-3443|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== In mythology ===

From its origins as totems or the stylized depiction of natural creatures, the Chinese dragon evolved to become a mythical animal. The Han dynasty scholar [[Wang Fu (philosopher)|Wang Fu]] recorded Chinese myths that ''long'' dragons had nine anatomical resemblances.<blockquote>The people paint the dragon's shape with a horse's head and a snake's tail. Further, there are expressions such as 'three joints' and 'nine resemblances' (of the dragon), to wit: from head to shoulder, from shoulder to breast, and from breast to tail. These are the joints; as to the nine resemblances, they are the following: his antlers resemble those of a stag, his head that of a camel, his eyes those of a demon, his neck that of a snake, his belly that of a clam ([[shen (clam-monster)|''shen'']], {{lang|zh|蜃}}), his scales those of a carp, his claws those of an eagle, his soles those of a tiger, his ears those of a cow. Upon his head, he has a thing like a broad eminence (a big lump), called &#91;''chimu''&#93; ({{lang|zh|尺木}}). If a dragon has no &#91;''chimu''&#93;, he cannot ascend to the sky.{{sfn|Visser|1913|p=70}}</blockquote>

Further sources give variant lists of the nine animal resemblances. Sinologist {{interlanguage link|Henri Doré|fr}} lists these characteristics of an authentic dragon: "The antlers of a deer. The head of a crocodile. A demon's eyes. The neck of a snake. A tortoise's viscera. A hawk's claws. The palms of a tiger. A cow's ears. And it hears through its horns, its ears being deprived of all power of hearing". He notes that, "Others state it has a rabbit's eyes, a frog's belly, a carp's scales".{{sfn|Doré|1917|p=681}}

[[File:Guimet porcelana china 02.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Yellow dragon on a black vase, Yuan dynasty]]
Chinese dragons were considered to be physically concise. Of the 117 scales, 81 are of the yang essence (positive) while 36 are of the yin essence (negative). Initially, the dragon was benevolent, wise, and just, but the Buddhists introduced the concept of malevolent influence among some dragons. Just as water destroys, they said, so can some dragons destroy via floods, tidal waves, and storms. They suggested that some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon.

Many pictures of Chinese dragons show a [[Eight Treasures|flaming pearl]] under their chin or in their claws. The pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality, thunder, or the moon. Chinese art often depicts a pair of dragons chasing or fighting over a flaming pearl.

Chinese dragons are occasionally depicted with bat-like wings growing out of the front limbs, but most do not have wings, as their ability to fly (and control rain/water, etc.) is mystical and not seen as a result of their physical attributes.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

Even without wings the Chinese dragons can supposedly ascend to the sky and fly. According to legend, the dragon's flight is enabled by something on its head named ''chimu'' (Wade-Giles: ''ch'ih-mu'', {{lang|zh|尺木}}, lit. 'foot-long wood/tree'{{efn|Or "a tree one foot in diameter" according to Mather.}}) that resembled the ''boshan'' (Wade-Giles: ''Po-shan'', incense burner,<ref name="tseng1957"/> i.e. ''boshanlu'' or "[[Hill censer]]"), without which the dragon cannot fly.<ref name="BCGM-tr-unschuld"/><ref name="mather2022"/> This piece of lore attested in the Tang dynasty tract ''[[Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang|Youyang zazu]]''.{{Refn|Yu-yang tsa-tsu 17.1a): " 龍頭上有一物如博山形, 名尺木,龍無尺木不能升天" cited by Mather<ref name="mather2022"/>}}

[[File:Kesi fragment with dragon design on purple ground, China, Yuan dynasty, 1200s-1300s AD, textile - Tokyo National Museum - Tokyo, Japan - DSC08441.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Textile with dragon design, Yuan dynasty]]
This description accords with the artistic depictions of the dragon down to the present day. The dragon has also acquired an almost unlimited range of supernatural powers. It is said to be able to disguise itself as a [[Bombyx mori|silkworm]], or become as large as our entire universe. It can fly among the clouds or hide in water (according to the ''Guanzi''). It can form clouds, turn into water, change color as an ability to blend in with their surroundings, and be an effective form of camouflage or glow in the dark (according to the ''[[Shuowen Jiezi]]'').{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

In many other countries, folktales speak of the dragon having all the attributes of the other 11 creatures of the zodiac, this includes the [[whiskers]] of the [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], the face and horns of the [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], the claws and teeth of the [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], the belly of the [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], the body of the [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], the legs of the [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], the [[goatee]] of the [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], the wit of the [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], the [[Crest (feathers)|crest]] of the [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], the ears of the [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], and the snout of the [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]].

In some circles,{{Among whom|date=February 2024}} it is considered bad luck to depict a dragon facing downward, as it is seen as disrespectful to place a dragon in such a manner that it cannot ascend to the sky. Also, depictions of dragons in tattoos are prevalent as they are symbols of strength and power, especially criminal organisations where dragons hold a meaning all on their own. As such, it is believed that one must be fierce and strong enough, hence earning the right to wear the dragon on his skin, lest his luck be consumed by the dragons.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}

According to an art historian [[John Boardman (art historian)|John Boardman]], depictions of Chinese Dragon and Indian [[Makara]] might have been influenced by ''[[Cetus (mythology)|Cetus]]'' in [[Greek mythology]] possibly after contact with silk-road images of the ''Kētos'' as Chinese dragon appeared more reptilian and shifted head-shape afterwards.<ref>{{cite book |last=Boardman |first=John |author-link=John Boardman (art historian) |date=2015 |title=The Greeks in Asia |publisher=Thames and Hudson |isbn=978-0-500-25213-0}}</ref>

=== Rule over weather and water ===
Chinese dragons are strongly associated with water and weather in popular religion. They are believed to be the rulers of moving bodies of water, such as waterfalls, rivers, or seas. The Dragon god is the dispenser of rain as well as the zoomorphic representation of yang, the masculine power of generation.{{sfnb|Tom|1989|p=55}} In this capacity as the rulers of water and weather, the dragon is more [[anthropomorphic]] in form, often depicted as a humanoid, dressed in a king's costume, but with a dragon head wearing a king's headdress.

There are four major [[Dragon King]]s, representing each of the [[Four Seas]]: the '''East Sea''' (corresponding to the [[East China Sea]] also, parts of the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]]), the '''South Sea''' (corresponding to the [[South China Sea]], [[West Philippine Sea|West Philippines Sea]] ), the '''West Sea''' (The [[Qinghai Lake]] sometimes also, referred to [[Indian Ocean]] and the [[Bay of Bengal]]),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shīlāditya {{!}} Dictionary of Buddhism {{!}} Nichiren Buddhism Library |url=https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/dic/Content/S/132 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241012114634/https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/dic/Content/S/132 |archive-date=2024-10-12 |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=www.nichirenlibrary.org |language=en}}</ref> and the '''North Sea''' corresponding to the ([[Lake Baikal]], sometimes also the [[Sea of Japan]] and the [[Arctic Ocean]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dragon King - Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia |url=https://tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php?title=Dragon_King |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com}}</ref> ''<small>(Main article [[Dragon King#Dragon Kings of the Four Seas|Dragon Kings of the Four Seas]])</small>''

Because of this association, they are seen as "in charge" of water-related weather phenomena. In premodern times, many Chinese villages (especially those close to rivers and seas) had temples dedicated to their local "dragon king". In times of drought or flooding, it was customary for the local gentry and government officials to lead the community in offering sacrifices and conducting other religious rites to appease the dragon, either to ask for rain or a cessation thereof.

The King of [[Wuyue]] in the [[Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms]] period was often known as the "Dragon King" or the "Sea Dragon King" because of his extensive hydro-engineering schemes which "tamed" the sea.

In coastal regions of China, Korea, Vietnam, traditional legends and worshipping of whale gods as the guardians of people on the sea have been referred to Dragon Kings after the arrival of Buddhism.<ref>李 善愛, 1999, 護る神から守られる神へ : 韓国とベトナムの鯨神信仰を中心に, pp.195-212, 国立民族学博物館調査報告 Vol.149</ref>

{{anchor|Imperial dragon}}<!--linked-->
=== Symbol of Imperial authority ===
{{see also|Yellow Dragon}}
[[File:MET DP12019.jpg|thumb|upright|Double dragons on a piece of textile, Qing dynasty]]
According to Chinese legend, both Chinese primogenitors, the earliest [[Shennong|Door]] and the [[Yellow Emperor]], were closely related to the dragon. At the end of his reign, the first legendary ruler, the Yellow Emperor, was said to have been immortalized into a dragon that resembled his emblem, and ascended to Heaven. The other legendary ruler, the Yan Emperor, was born by his mother's telepathy with a mythical dragon. This legend also contributed towards the use of the Chinese dragon as a symbol of imperial power.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Press |first=Beijing Foreign Language |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oen_AgAAQBAJ |title=Chinese Auspicious Culture |date=2012-09-01 |publisher=Asiapac Books Pte Ltd |isbn=978-981-229-642-9 |language=en}}</ref>

Dragons (usually with five claws on each foot) were a symbol for the emperor in many [[Chinese dynasties]]. During the Qing dynasty, the imperial dragon was colored yellow or gold, and during the Ming dynasty it was red.<ref>Hayes, L. (1923). ''[https://archive.org/stream/chinesedragon00hayeuoft#page/n7/mode/2up The Chinese Dragon]''. Shanghai, China: Commercial Press Ltd.</ref> The imperial throne was referred to as the ''[[Dragon Throne]]''. During the late Qing dynasty, the dragon was even adopted as the national flag. Dragons are featured in carvings on the stairs and walkways of imperial palaces and imperial tombs, such as at the [[Forbidden City]] in Beijing.

In some Chinese legends, an emperor might be born with a [[birthmark]] in the shape of a dragon. For example, one legend tells the tale of a peasant born with a dragon birthmark who eventually overthrows the existing dynasty and founds a new one; another legend might tell of the prince in hiding from his enemies who is identified by his dragon birthmark.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}

In contrast, the [[List of Chinese consorts|empress of China]] was often identified with the [[Fenghuang|Chinese phoenix]].

=== Modern practice ===
Worship of the Dragon god is celebrated throughout China with sacrifices and processions during the fifth and sixth moons, and especially on the date of his birthday the thirteenth day of the sixth moon.{{sfnb|Tom|1989|p=55}} A folk religious movement of [[associations of good-doing]] in modern [[Hebei]] is primarily devoted to a generic Dragon god whose icon is a tablet with his name inscribed, for which it has been named the "movement of the Dragon Tablet".<ref>Zhiya Hua. ''Dragon's Name: A Folk Religion in a Village in South-Central Hebei Province''. Shanghai People's Publishing House, 2013. {{ISBN|7-208-11329-7}}</ref>

== Depictions ==

=== Neolithic ===
[[File:中華第一龍.jpg|thumb|So-called 'first dragon of China' (中华第一龙); it was discovered in 1987 at the [[Yangshao culture|Yangshao culture site]] in Xishuipo, west of [[Puyang County|Puyang]], [[Henan]]. On both sides of the skeleton of a middle-aged male in the center of a tomb chamber, carefully arranged clam shells formed dragon and tiger patterns.|left]]
[[File:C-shaped jade dragon.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|The C-shaped jade totem of [[Hongshan culture]] (c. 4700–2920 BC)]]
[[File:Jade dragon.jpg|thumb|[[Warring States]] era dragon jade pendant.]]
Dragons or dragon-like depictions have been found extensively in [[Neolithic]]-period archaeological sites throughout China. Some of earliest depictions of dragons were found at [[Xinglongwa culture]] sites. [[Yangshao culture]] sites in [[Xi'an]] have produced clay pots with dragon motifs. A burial site [[Xishuipo]] in [[Puyang]] which is associated with the Yangshao culture shows a large dragon mosaic made out of clam shells.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vMfOCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA83 |title=The Dragon in the Cockpit: How Western Aviation Concepts Conflict with Chinese Value Systems |author=Hung-Sying Jing |author2=Allen Batteau |page=83 |publisher=Routledge |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-317-03529-9}}</ref> The [[Liangzhu culture]] also produced dragon-like patterns. The [[Hongshan culture]] sites in present-day [[Inner Mongolia]] produced jade dragon objects in the form of [[pig dragon]]s which are the first 3-dimensional representations of Chinese dragons.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O3h2KfXoOPYC&pg=PA46 |title=Atlas of World Art |author=John Onians |page=46 |publisher=Laurence King Publishing |date=26 April 2004 |isbn=978-1-85669-377-6}}</ref>

One such early form was the pig dragon. It is a coiled, elongated creature with a head resembling a [[boar]].<ref>[http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/china1999/037_010.htm "Jade coiled dragon, Hongshan Culture (c. 4700–2920 B.C.)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313003502/http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/china1999/037_010.htm |date=13 March 2007}}, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Retrieved 23 February 2007.</ref> The character for "dragon" in the earliest [[Chinese character|Chinese writing]] has a similar coiled form, as do later jade dragon amulets from the [[Shang dynasty]]. A snake-like dragon body painted on red pottery wares was discovered at Taosi (Shanxi) from the second phase of the Longshan Culture, and a dragon-like object coated with approximately 2000 pieces of turquoise and jade was discovered at Erlitou.{{sfn|Meccarelli|2021|pp=123–142}}

=== Classical era ===
[[File:Qin State Warring States-Qin Dynasty Bronze Dragon (46740307754).jpg|thumb|[[Qin dynasty]] twin bronze dragons, found near the [[Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor]].]]
[[File:Tomb tile with dragon and warrior.jpg|thumb|[[Western Han dynasty]] tomb mural of a warrior on a dragon, found in Luoyang.]]
[[File:邓县南朝画像砖青龙.jpg|thumb|Dragon on a tomb brick relief from the [[Northern and Southern dynasties]].]]
[[File:20230923 Gilded Walking Dragon of Tang Dynasty.jpg|thumb|Gilded Walking Dragon of [[Tang dynasty]]]]
Chinese literature and myths refer to many dragons besides the famous ''long''. The linguist Michael Carr analyzed over 100 ancient dragon names attested in [[Chinese classic texts]].<ref name="Carr">Carr, Michael. 1990. [http://sealang.net/sala/archives/pdf4/carr1990chinese.pdf "Chinese Dragon Names"], ''Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area'' 13.2:87–189. He classified them into seven categories: Rain-dragons, Flying-dragons, Snake-dragons, Wug-dragons [''wug'' refers to "worms, bugs, and small reptiles"], Crocodile-dragons, Hill-dragons, and Miscellaneous dragons.</ref>
*''[[Tianlong]]'', celestial dragon that guards heavenly palaces and pulls divine chariots; also a name for the constellation [[Draco (constellation)|Draco]]
*''[[Shenlong]]'', thunder god that controls the weather, appearance of a human head, dragon's body, and drum-like stomach
*''[[Fuzanglong]]'', underworld guardian of precious metals and jewels, associated with volcanoes
*''[[Dilong]]'', controller of rivers and seas
*''[[Yinglong]]'', winged dragon associated with rains and floods, used by [[Yellow Emperor]] to kill [[Chi You]]
*''[[Jiaolong]]'', hornless or scaled dragon, leader of all aquatic animals
*''[[Panlong (mythology)|Panlong]]'', lake dragon that has not ascended to heaven
*''[[Huanglong (mythology)|Huanglong]]'', hornless dragon symbolizing the emperor
*''[[Feilong (mythology)|Feilong]]'', winged dragon that rides on clouds and mist; also a name for [[Feilongus|a genus of pterosaur]] (compare [[Feilong]] kick and [[Fei Long]] character)
*''[[Azure Dragon]]'', the animal associated with the East in the Chinese [[Four Symbols (Chinese constellation)|Four Symbols]], mythological creatures in the [[Chinese constellations]]
*''[[Qiulong]]'', contradictorily defined as both "horned dragon" and "hornless dragon"
*''[[Zhulong (mythology)|Zhulong]]'' was a giant red draconic [[solar deity]] in Chinese mythology. It supposedly had a human's face and snake's body, created day and night by opening and closing its eyes, and created seasonal winds by breathing. (Note that this ''zhulong'' is different from the similarly named Vermilion Dragon or the Pig dragon)
*''[[Chi (mythology)|Chilong]]'', a hornless dragon or mountain demon
Fewer Chinese dragon names derive from the word ''long'' {{lang|zh|龍}}:
*''[[Longwang]]'', divine rulers of the Four Seas
*''[[Longma]]'', emerged from the Luo River and revealed ''[[bagua]]'' to [[Fu Xi]]

Some additional Chinese dragons are not named ''long'', for instance,
*[[Hong (rainbow-dragon)|Hong]], a two-headed dragon or [[rainbow serpent]]
*[[Shen (clam-monster)|Shen]], a [[shapeshifting]] dragon or [[sea monster]] believed to create [[mirage]]s
*''[[Bashe]]'' was a giant python-like dragon that ate elephants
*''[[Teng (mythology)|Teng]]'' is a flying dragon without legs

Chinese scholars have classified dragons in diverse systems. For instance, [[Emperor Huizong of Song]] canonized five colored dragons as "kings". ''<small>(Main article [[Dragon King#Dragon Kings of the Five Regions|Dragon Kings of the Five Regions]])</small>''
*The [[Azure Dragon]] &#91;''Qinglong'' {{lang|zh|青龍}}&#93; spirits, most compassionate kings.
*The Vermilion Dragon &#91;''Zhulong'' {{lang|zh|朱龍}} or ''Chilong'' {{lang|zh|赤龍}}&#93; spirits, kings that bestow blessings on lakes.
*The [[Yellow Dragon]] &#91;''Huanglong'' {{lang|zh|黃龍}}&#93; spirits, kings that favorably hear all petitions.
*The White Dragon &#91;''Bailong'' {{lang|zh|白龍}}&#93; spirits, virtuous and pure kings.
*The Black Dragon &#91;''Xuanlong'' {{lang|zh|玄龍}} or ''Heilong'' {{lang|zh|黑龍}}&#93; spirits, kings dwelling in the depths of the mystic waters.<ref>Adapted from {{harvnb|Doré|1917}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Xr4sAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA682 p. 682].</ref>
With the addition of the Yellow Dragon of the center to [[Azure Dragon]] of the East, these Vermilion, White, and Black Dragons coordinate with the Four Symbols, including the [[Vermilion Bird]] of the South, [[White Tiger (Chinese constellation)|White Tiger]] of the West, and [[Black Tortoise]] of the North. <small>''(Main article the [[Four Symbols]])''</small>

Dragons were varyingly thought to be able to control and embody various natural elements in their "mythic form" such as "[[water]], air, earth, [[fire]], light, wind, storm, [and] electricity".<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last1=Carlson |first1=Kathie |title=The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images |last2=Flanagin |first2=Michael N. |last3=Martin |first3=Kathleen |last4=Martin |first4=Mary E. |last5=Mendelsohn |first5=John |last6=Rodgers |first6=Priscilla Young |last7=Ronnberg |first7=Ami |last8=Salman |first8=Sherry |last9=Wesley |first9=Deborah A. |publisher=[[Taschen]] |year=2010 |isbn=978-3-8365-1448-4 |editor-last=Arm |editor-first=Karen |location=Köln |page=704 |editor-last2=Ueda |editor-first2=Kako |editor-last3=Thulin |editor-first3=Anne |editor-last4=Langerak |editor-first4=Allison |editor-last5=Kiley |editor-first5=Timothy Gus |editor-last6=Wolff |editor-first6=Mary}}</ref> Some dragons who were able to breathe fire were thought to be exiled from ''tiān'' and banished to Earth.

=== Nine sons of the dragon ===
{{Main|Nine sons of the dragon}}

Several [[Ming dynasty]] texts list what were claimed as the Nine Offspring of the Dragon ({{lang|zh|龍生九子}}), and subsequently these feature prominently in popular Chinese stories and writings. The scholar {{ill|Xie Zhaozhe|zh|謝肇淛}} (1567–1624) in his work ''Wu Za Zu'' {{ill|Wuzazu|zh|五雜俎}} (c. 1592) gives the following listing, as rendered by M. W. de Visser:
<blockquote>A well-known work of the end of the sixteenth century, the ''Wuzazu'' {{lang|zh|五雜俎}}, informs us about the nine different young of the dragon, whose shapes are used as ornaments according to their nature.
*The ''[[pulao (dragon)|Pulao]]'', four leg small form dragon class which like to scream, are represented on the tops of bells, serving as handles.
*The ''qiú niú'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|囚牛}}}}, which like music, are used to adorn musical instruments.
*The ''[[Chiwen]]'', which like swallowing, are placed on both ends of the ridgepoles of roofs (to swallow all evil influences).
*The ''cháo fēng'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|嘲風}}}}, beasts-like dragon which like adventure, are placed on the four corners of roofs.
*The ''yá zì'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|睚眦}}}}, which like to kill, are engraved on sword guards.
*The ''xì xì'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|屓屭}}}}, which have the shape of the ''chī hǔ'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|螭虎}}}} (One kind small form dragon), and are fond of literature, are represented on the sides of grave-monuments.
*The ''bì àn'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|狴犴}}}}, which like litigation, are placed over prison gates (to keep guard).
*The ''suān ní'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|狻猊}}}}, which like to sit down, are represented upon the bases of Buddhist idols (under the Buddhas' or Bodhisattvas' feet).
*The ''[[Bixi (mythology)|Bixi]]'', also known as ''bà xià'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|霸下}}}}, finally, big tortoises which like to carry heavy objects, are placed under grave-monuments.

Further, the same author enumerates nine other kinds of dragons, which are represented as ornaments of different objects or buildings according to their liking prisons, water, the rank smell of newly caught fish or newly killed meat, wind and rain, ornaments, smoke, shutting the mouth (used for adorning key-holes), standing on steep places (placed on roofs), and fire.<ref name="Visser101">{{harvnb|Visser|1913|pp=101–102}}. The primary source is [[:zh:s:五雜俎/卷09|Wu Za Zu, chapter 9]], beginning with "{{lang|zh|龍生九子...}}". The title of Xie Zhaozhe's work, ''Wu Za Zu'', has been variously translated into English as ''Five Assorted Offerings'' (in {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20020126162753/http://www.renditions.org/renditions/authors/xiezz.html Xie Zhaozhe]}}), ''Five Sundry Bands'' (in "[https://archive.today/20130415163750/http://jhmas.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pdf_extract/57/2/177?ck=nck Disease and Its Impact on Politics, Diplomacy, and the Military ...]")
or ''Five Miscellanies'' (in [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ju3N4VeiQ28C&pg=PA48 Changing clothes in China: fashion, history, nation], p. 48).</ref>
</blockquote>

The ''Sheng'an waiji'' ({{lang|zh|升庵外集}}) collection by the poet [[Yang Shen]] (1488–1559) gives different 5th and 9th names for the dragon's nine children: the ''[[taotie]]'', form of beasts, which loves to eat and is found on food-related wares, and the ''jiāo tú'' ({{lang|zh|{{linktext|椒圖}}}}), which looks like a conch or clam, does not like to be disturbed, and is used on the front door or the doorstep. Yang's list is ''bì xì'', ''chī wěn'' or ''cháo fēng'', ''pú láo'', ''bì àn'', ''tāo tiè'', ''qiú niú'', ''yá zì'', ''suān ní'', and ''jiāo tú''. In addition, there are some sayings including ''bā xià'' {{lang|zh|{{linktext|𧈢𧏡}}}}, Hybrid of reptilia animal and dragon, a creature that likes to drink water, and is typically used on bridge structures.<ref>{{cite book |isbn=962-07-1846-1 |author={{lang|zh|吾三省}} (Wu Sanxing) |script-title=zh:中國文化背景八千詞 (Eight thousand words and expressions viewed against the background of Chinese culture) |publisher=Commercial Press |year=2006 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KQJ_tIU1ixoC&pg=PA345 |page=345 |language=zh}}</ref>

The oldest known attestation of the "children of the dragon" list is found in the ''Shuyuan zaji'' ({{lang|zh|菽園雜記}}, ''Miscellaneous records from the bean garden'') by [[Lu Rong]] (1436–1494); however, he noted that the list enumerates mere synonyms of various antiques, not children of a dragon.<ref>[http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/chapter_69989_55313.html {{lang|zh|九、龙的繁衍与附会 – 龙生九子}} (1)] ("Chapter 9, Dragon's derived and associated creatures: Nine children of the dragon (1)"), in [[#yang2008|Yang Jingrong and Liu Zhixiong (2008)]]. The full text of ''Shuyuan zaji'', from which Yang and Liu quote, is available in electronic format at a number of sites, e.g. here: [http://xxgblog.tcip.net.cn/index.php/56/viewspace-3024.html {{lang|zh|菽園雜記}}] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306151643/http://xxgblog.tcip.net.cn/index.php/56/viewspace-3024.html |date=6 March 2010}}</ref> The nine sons of the dragon were commemorated by the Shanghai Mint in 2012's year of the dragon with two sets of coins, one in silver, and one in brass. Each coin in the sets depicts one of the 9 sons, including an additional coin for the father dragon, which depicts the nine sons on the reverse.<ref>CCT4243: [https://www.coincompendium.com/w/index.php/CCT4243 2012 lunar dragon nine sons of the dragon 20 coin set] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090039/https://www.coincompendium.com/w/index.php/CCT4243 |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> It's also a Chinese idiom, which means among brothers each one has his good points.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}

=== Dragon claws ===
[[File:Freer SacklerDSCF8044.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Reverse of bronze mirror, 8th century, [[Tang dynasty]], showing a dragon with three toes on each foot]]
Originally, early Chinese dragons are mostly depicted with three claws, but they can range from two to five claws. Different countries that adopted the Chinese dragon have different preferences; in Mongolia and Korea, four-clawed dragons are used, while [[Japanese dragon|in Japan]], three-clawed dragons are common. In China, three-clawed dragons were popularly used on robes during the Tang dynasty.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_CzdICSqnELkC |title=The Arts of China |author=Michael Sullivan |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_CzdICSqnELkC/page/n197 214] |publisher=University of California Press |date=1992 |isbn=978-0-520-04918-5}}</ref> The usage of the dragon motif was codified during the Yuan dynasty, and the five-clawed dragons became reserved for use by the emperor while the princes used four-clawed dragons.<ref name="komaroff">{{cite book |doi=10.1163/9789047418573_018 |chapter=Chinese Motifs in Thirteenth-Century Armenian Art: The Mongol Connection |title=Beyond the Legacy of Genghis Khan |year=2006 |last1=Kouymjian |first1=Dickran |pages=303–324 |isbn=978-90-474-1857-3}}</ref> Phoenixes and five-clawed two-horned dragons may not be used on the robes of officials and other objects such as plates and vessels in the Yuan dynasty.<ref name="komaroff"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ctext.org/wiki.pl?if=gb&chapter=991360 |script-title=zh:《志第二十八 輿服一》 |work=The [[History of Yuan]]}}</ref> It was further stipulated that for commoners, "it is forbidden to wear any cloth with patterns of [[Qilin]], Male [[Fenghuang]] (Chinese phoenix), [[Moon rabbit|White rabbit]], [[Lingzhi mushroom|Lingzhi]], Five-Toe Two-Horn Dragon, Eight Dragons, Nine Dragons, '[[Ten thousand years]]', [[Fu Lu Shou|Fortune-longevity]] character and Golden Yellow etc."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ctext.org/wiki.pl?if=gb&chapter=311790 |script-title=zh:《本紀第三十九 順帝二》 |quote={{lang|zh|禁服麒麟、鸞鳳、白兔、靈芝、雙角五爪龍、八龍、九龍、萬壽、福壽字、赭黃等服}} |work=The [[History of Yuan]], [[Ukhaantu Khan, Emperor Huizong of Yuan|Emperor Shundi]] ({{lang|zh|[[:zh:元史|元史]]·順帝紀)}}, compiled under [[Song Lian]] ({{lang|zh|[[:zh:宋濂|宋濂]]}}), AD 1370}}</ref>

[[File:Qing Porcelain, Qianlong Reign 101.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|18th century five-clawed dragon on porcelain ball, [[Qing dynasty]]]]
The [[Hongwu Emperor]] of the Ming dynasty emulated the Yuan dynasty rules on the use of the dragon motif and decreed that the dragon would be his emblem and that it should have five claws. The four-clawed dragon would be used typically for imperial nobility and certain high-ranking officials. The three-clawed dragon was used by lower ranks and the general public (widely seen on various Chinese goods in the Ming dynasty). The dragon, however, was only for select royalty closely associated with the imperial family, usually in various symbolic colors, and it was a capital offense for anyone—other than the emperor himself—to ever use the completely gold-colored, five-clawed ''Long'' dragon [[motif (art)|motif]]. Improper use of claw number or colors was considered treason, punishable by execution of the offender's entire clan. During the Qing dynasty, the [[Manchus]] initially considered three-clawed dragons the most sacred and used that until 1712 when it was replaced by five-clawed dragons, and portraits of the Qing emperors were usually depicted with five-clawed dragons.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=szcrOWz2gM8C&pg=PA20 |title=All About Chinese Dragons |author=Roy Bates |pages=20–21 |isbn=978-1-4357-0322-3 |year=2007 |publisher=Lulu.com}}</ref>

In works of art that left the imperial collection, either as gifts or through pilfering by court eunuchs (a long-standing problem), where practicable, one claw was removed from each set, as in several pieces of [[carved lacquerware]],<ref>[[Jessica Rawson|Rawson, Jessica]] (ed). ''The British Museum Book of Chinese Art'', p. 177, 2007 (2nd edn), British Museum Press, {{ISBN|978-0-7141-2446-9}}</ref> for example the [[Chinese lacquerware table]] in the [[Victoria and Albert Museum]] in London.<ref>[[Craig Clunas|Clunas, Craig]] and Harrison-Hall, Jessica, ''Ming: 50 years that changed China'', p. 107, 2014, British Museum Press, {{ISBN|978-0-7141-2484-1}}</ref>

== Cultural references ==

=== Number nine ===
{{Clear}}
The number [[9 (number)|nine]] is special in China as it is seen as the number of heaven, and Chinese dragons are frequently connected with it. For example, a Chinese dragon is normally described in terms of nine attributes and usually has 117 (9×13) scales—81 (9×9) Yang and 36 (9×4) Yin.
This is also why there are nine forms of the dragon and [[nine sons of the dragon]] (see [[#Classical depictions|Classical depictions]] above). The [[Nine-Dragon Wall]] is a [[spirit wall]] with images of nine different dragons, and is found in imperial Chinese palaces and gardens. Because nine was considered the number of the emperor, only the most senior officials were allowed to wear nine dragons on their robes—and then only with the robe completely covered with [[surcoat]]s. Lower-ranking officials had eight or five dragons on their robes, again covered with surcoats; even the emperor himself wore his dragon robe with one of its nine dragons hidden from view.

There are a number of places in China called "Nine Dragons", the most famous being [[Kowloon]] in Hong Kong. The part of the [[Mekong]] in Vietnam is known as ''Cửu Long'', with the same meaning.
{{Panorama|image = File:Chen Rong - Nine Dragons.jpg|height = 230|alt = |caption = A close up view of one full dragon (and the tail end and claw of another) from the ''[[Nine Dragons (painting)|Nine Dragons]]'' handscroll painted in 1244 by [[Song dynasty]] artist [[Chen Rong (painter)|Chen Rong]] |dir = rtl}}

=== Chinese zodiac ===
{{main|Dragon (zodiac)}}
[[File:BLW Wall-tile with Dragon.jpg|thumb|Wall tile depicting the Azure Dragon of the East, [[Ilkhanate]]]]
The [[Dragon (zodiac)|dragon]] is one of the 12 animals in the [[Chinese zodiac]] which is used to designate years in the [[Chinese calendar]]. It is thought that each animal is associated with certain personality traits. Dragon years are usually the most popular to have children.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2017/09/04/why-chinese-children-born-in-years-of-the-dragon-are-more-successful |title=Why Chinese children born in years of the dragon are more successful |newspaper=The Economist |date=4 September 2017}}</ref> There are more people born in [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]] years than in any other animal years of the [[zodiac]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mocan |last2=Yu |first1=Naci H. |first2=Han |title=Can Superstition Create a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy? School Outcomes of Dragon Children of China |journal=The National Bureau of Economic Research |orig-date=August 2017 |date=May 2019 |issue=NBER Working Paper No. 23709 |pages=13, 47 |url=https://www.nber.org/papers/w23709.pdf |access-date=3 December 2019}}</ref>

=== Constellations ===
{{see also|Five elements (Chinese philosophy)}}
The [[Azure Dragon]] is considered to be the primary of the four [[Chinese constellation|celestial guardians]], the other three being the [[Vermilion Bird (Chinese constellation)|Vermilion Bird]], [[White Tiger (Chinese constellation)|White Tiger]], [[Black Tortoise (Chinese constellation)|Black Tortoise]]. In this context, the Azure Dragon is associated with the East and the element of Wood.

=== Dragon boat racing ===
{{main|Dragon boat}}
[[File:元 佚名 臨王振鵬 金明池圖 卷-Dragon Boat Regatta on Jinming Lake MET DP204603.jpg|thumb|Dragon boats racing in Hong Kong (14th century painting)]]
At special festivals, especially the [[Dragon Boat Festival]], dragon boat races are an important part of festivities. Typically, these are boats paddled by a team of up to 20 paddlers with a drummer and steersman. The boats have a carved dragon as the head and tail of the boat. Dragon boat racing is also an important part of celebrations outside of China, such as at [[Chinese New Year]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dragon Boat festival - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/dragon-boat-festival-00225 |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en}}</ref>

A similar racing is popular in [[India]] in the state of Kerala called Vallamkali and there are records on Chinese traders visiting the seashores of [[Kerala]] centuries back (Ibn Batuta).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spectacular boat races of Kerala {{!}} Kerala Tourism |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/event/boat-races/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=www.keralatourism.org |language=en}}</ref> ''<small>(Main article [[Vallam kali|Vallam Kali]])</small>''

=== Dragon dance ===
{{main|Dragon dance}}
On auspicious occasions, including [[Chinese New Year]] and the opening of shops and residences, festivities often include dancing with dragon puppets. These are "life sized" cloth-and-wood puppets manipulated by a team of people, supporting the dragon with poles. They perform choreographed moves to the accompaniment of drums, drama, and music. They also wore good clothing made of silk.

=== With Fenghuang ===
{{see also|Fenghuang}}
Fenghuang ({{lang-zh|s=凤凰|t=鳳凰|p=fènghuáng|w=fêng<sup>4</sup>-huang<sup>2</sup>}}), known in Japanese as Hō-ō or Hou-ou, are [[Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]]-like birds found in East Asian mythology that reign over all other birds. In Chinese symbolism, it is a feminine entity that is paired with the masculine Chinese dragon, as a visual metaphor of a balanced and blissful relationship, symbolic of both a happy marriage and a regent's long reign.

=== As Nāga ===
[[File:Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol Naga emerging from mouth of Makara.jpg|thumb|Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol Naga emerging from mouth of Makara]]
In [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]]<nowiki/>n countries, the concept of the [[nāga]] has been merged with local traditions of great and wise serpents or dragons, as depicted in this stairway image of a multi-headed nāga emerging from the mouth of a [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]] in the style of a Chinese dragon at Phra Maha [[stupa|Chedi]] Chai Mongkol on the premises of [[Wat]] Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Vararam in [[Amphoe Nong Phok#Places|Nong Phok District]], [[Roi Et Province]], Thailand. <small>''(Main article [[Nagaraja]]'')</small>

The concept of "[[Dragon King|Dragon King/Longwang"]] for "Loongs" in China came from Indian concept of "[[Nagaraja]]" vis [[Buddhism]]. <small>''(Main article [[Dragon King]])''</small>

=== With Tigers ===
The tiger is considered to be the eternal rival to the dragon, thus various artworks depict a dragon and tiger fighting an epic battle, also the resemblances of [[Yin and yang|Yin and Yang]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese Tiger and Dragon –– Minneapolis Institute of Art |url=https://new.artsmia.org/programs/teachers-and-students/teaching-the-arts/artwork-in-focus/japanese-tiger-and-dragon |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=new.artsmia.org}}</ref> A common [[chengyu]] to describe equal rivals is "dragon versus Tiger". In [[Chinese martial arts]], "Dragon style" is used to describe styles of fighting based more on understanding movement, while "Tiger style" is based on brute strength and memorization of techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kwong |first=Kevin |date=25 June 2024 |title=Dragon, bear, horse, tiger, eagle ... the 12 animal fighting styles in Chinese martial arts |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3267763/12-animal-fighting-styles-chinese-martial-arts-sorry-no-panda |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=South China Morning Post}}</ref> <small>''(Main article [[Animal styles in Chinese martial arts]])''</small>

=== Botany ===
[[File:Ulmus pumila 'Pendula', 1908.jpg|thumb|right|'Dragon's-Claw Elm', [[Fengtai District|Fengtai]], 1908]]
The [[elm]] cultivar [[Ulmus pumila 'Pendula'|''Ulmus pumila'' 'Pendula']], from northern China, called 'weeping Chinese elm' in the West, is known locally as ''Lung chao yü shu'' ('Dragon's-claw elm') owing to its branching.<ref>U. pumila 'Pendula', '
[https://web.archive.org/web/20121009235909/http://ars-grin.gov/npgs/pi_books/scans/pi043.pdf "Inventory of Seeds and Plants Imported ... April–June 1915"]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211223345/http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_sl01.htm |date=20 December 2023}} (March 1918)</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cfh.ac.cn/(S(e02oru45kcxcxci21o5sw255)X(1))/Album/ShowPhoto.aspx?albumid=211b2456-906e-4ee5-8b00-72476a7c1eb8&&page=1&&photoid=edc2087a-46e1-4127-a773-eaa6287e54a4 |title=U. pumila 'Pendula' |script-title=zh:中国自然标本馆 |publisher=Cfh.ac.cn |access-date=30 August 2013}}</ref>

=== Language ===
A number of Chinese [[proverb]]s and [[Chengyu|idiom]]s feature references to a dragon, such as "Hoping one's child will become a dragon" ({{Lang-zh|s=望子成龙|t=望子成龍|p=wàng zǐ chéng lóng|j=mong6 zi2 sing4 lung4}}).{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

== In popular culture ==
{{See also|List of dragons in popular culture}}
As a part of traditional folklore, dragons appear in a variety of [[mythic fiction|mythological fiction]]. Chinese dragons appear in innumerable media across popular culture today, including but not at all limited to: Japanese [[anime]] films and television shows, [[manga]], and in Western [[political cartoons]] as a personification of the People's Republic of China.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}
* In the classical 16th century novel ''[[Journey to the West]]'', the son of the Dragon King of the West was condemned to serve as a horse for the travelers because of his indiscretions at a party in the heavenly court. [[Sun Wukong]]'s [[Gun (staff)|staff]], the [[Ruyi Jingu Bang]], was robbed from Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the [[East Sea (Chinese literature)|East Sea]]. 
* In ''[[Fengshen Yanyi]]'' and other stories, [[Nezha]], the boy hero, defeats the Dragon Kings and tames the seas.

==Related myths==
* [[Druk]], the Thunder Dragon of Bhutanese mythology
* [[Nāga]], a Hindu and Buddhist creature in South Asian and Southeast Asian mythology
** [[Bakunawa]], a moon-eating sea dragon depicted in Philippine mythology.
* [[Azhdaha|Azhdar]], snake-like dragons in Iranian mythology
* [[Pakhangba]], a Manipuri dragon

== See also ==
{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*''[[An Instinct for Dragons]]''
*[[Chinese alligator]]
*[[Fish in Chinese mythology]]
*[[Lei Chen-Tzu]]
*[[List of dragons in mythology and folklore]]
*[[List of dragons in popular culture]]
*[[Long Mu]]
*[[Radical 212]]
}}

==Explanatory notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==

=== Citations ===
{{reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="BCGM-tr-unschuld">{{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Unschuld tr.|2021}}|author=Li Shizhen |translator=Paul U. Unschuld |chapter=Chapter 43 [Animals with] Scales I/ Dragon Group, 9 kinds. 43-01 Long, FE Benjing, upper rank |script-chapter=zh:43 鱗之一 類九種 43-01 龍本經上品 |title=Ben Cao Gang Mu, Volume VIII: Clothes, Utensils, Worms, Insects, Amphibians, Animals with Scales, Animals with Shells |publisher=Univ of California Press |year=2021  |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=opIFEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA520 |pages=520–521|isbn=<!--0520976983, -->9780520976986}}</ref>

<ref name="mather2022">{{cite book|last=Mather |first=Richard |author-link=<!--Richard Mather--> |chapter=Shen Yüeh |title=The Age of Eternal Brilliance: Three Lyric Poets of the Yung-ming Era (483-493) Vol. I |publisher=BRILL |year=2022 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c6mgEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA270|page=270n3|isbn=<!--9004531769, -->9789004531765}}</ref>

<ref name="tseng1957">{{cite book|last=Tseng |first=Hsienchi |author-link=<!--Hsienchi Tseng--> |chapter=A Study of the Nine Dragons Scroll |title=Archives of the Chinese Art Society of America |publisher=Chinese Art Society of America |year=1957  |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oInnB-DJRx0C&q=%22Po-shan%22id=c6mgEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA270 |page=32<!--17–39-->}}</ref>

}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Doré |first=Henri |author-link=:fr:Henri Doré |year=1917 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xr4sAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA681 |title=Researches into Chinese Superstitions |translator1=M. Kennelly |translator2=D. J. Finn |translator3=L. F. McGreat |publisher=Ch'eng-wen |page=681 |ol=13587109M}}<!--year=1966 DEADLINK https://openlibrary.org/b/OL13587109M/Researches-into-Chinese-superstitions-->
* {{cite journal |last1=Meccarelli |first1=Marco |title=Discovering the Long: Current Theories and Trends in Research on the Chinese Dragon |journal=Frontiers of History in China |date=15 March 2021 |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=123–142 |doi=10.3868/s020-010-021-0006-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Nikaido |first=Yoshihiro |year=2015 |title=Asian Folk Religion and Cultural Interaction |publisher=Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TozUCgAAQBAJ |isbn=978-3-8470-0485-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Overmyer |first=Daniel L. |year=2009 |title=Local Religion in North China in the Twentieth Century: The Structure and Organization of Community Rituals and Beliefs |publisher=Brill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UVceic7Z4moC |isbn=978-90-04-17592-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Tom |first=K. S. |year=1989 |title=Echoes from Old China: Life, Legends, and Lore of the Middle Kingdom |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |url=https://archive.org/details/echoesfromoldchi0000tomk |url-access=registration |isbn=0-8248-1285-9}}
* {{citation |last=Visser |first=Marinus Willem de |author-link=<!--:de:Marinus Willem de Visser--> |title=The Dragon in China and Japan |location=Amsterdam |publisher=J. Müller |year=1913 |url=https://archive.org/stream/cu31924021444728 |page= |access-date=14 October 2022 |archive-date=19 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119201804/http://fax.libs.uga.edu/GR830xD7xV8/1f/dragon_in_china_and_japan.pdf#page/}},@University of Georgia Library
{{refend}}

== External links ==
*{{Commons and category inline|Chinese dragon|Chinese dragons}}
* {{Wikiquote-inline}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Chinese Dragon}}
[[Category:Asian dragons]]
[[Category:Chinese culture|Dragon]]
[[Category:Chinese dragons| ]]
[[Category:East Asian mythology]]
[[Category:National symbols of China]]
[[Category:Water deities]]
[[Category:Yangshao culture]]
[[Category:Creatures described in the Classic of Mountains and Seas]]
[[Category:Superstitions of China]]