Chinese Dragon Types, History, Symbolism, and Legends

Dragons are not a one-dimensional mythological creature in China. They are a cultural phenomenon that affects many aspects of the Chinese people's lifestyle and beliefs. No matter where you are, you can always see a dragon just by moving your head easily in a temple or party or a stadium. Historically, dragons play an important role in Chinese mythology and are a part of their culture. With better recognition, you can better understand traditional Chinese culture, which can significantly affect your visit to this ancient country.

Have you ever faced Chinese dragon symbols? I believe the answer is yes. It’s not hard to see dragons in Chinese traditional stuff. In fact, in books, clothes, movies, sports, and almost everywhere, you can find them easily.
You may face some people with dragon tattoos, which many, especially in China. Do you know how these ancient creatures are made? If so, how much do you know about the many types of Chinese dragons? This creature is the most famous mythological creature in China. Read on to find out everything about them.

Dragon in China

Facts about Chinese Dragons

  • Chinese dragons don’t exist. There is no clear evidence for citing, so generally, we can’t prove that they are real creatures. Even there is no animal to compare with the imaginary pictures of the Chinese dragon.
  • According to Chinese mythology, dragons have gender, and they are divided into males and females.
  • One of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs is a dragon. 
  • In ancient China, emperors were known as the sons of dragons, so ordinary people were not allowed to have something like shirts or other stuff with pictures of dragons on them. Even having a picture of a dragon was not legal for them as it was a monarchal and holy history.
  • Dragons in China are symbols of luck, power, propitiousness, and noble. It is the opposite of Western people’s imagination because they consider the dragon a monster and sinister character.
  • In ancient people’s opinion, dragons have to live somewhere with water like rivers or seas.
  • Unlike European dragons, Chinese dragons do not have fiery breath. However, there are some exceptions.

The Origin of Dragon in China

With numerals of epics and fiction about Chinese dragons, no one knows the primary origin of these creatures. Still, something definite about them is that they are ancient and historical as the symbol dates back to at least 3000 BCE. One story is that ancient people made totem worship like a dragon, which was a combination of different animals. According to this story, ancient people created dragons by combining other creatures like tigers, snakes, and craps.

The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) started a serial war against nine tribes, and after defeating them, he incorporated the other tribes’ totems into his dragon totem. The eyes were close to shrimp, antlers like a deer, a mouth like a bull, a nose inspired by dogs, and whiskers like a catfish. Some dragons have a mane similar to a lion, a tail like a snake, scales like a fish, and claws like a hawk or an eagle.

Dragon in China

A different story says that the Yan Emperor was born of an encounter with a powerful creature which was mostly like a dragon, and because of this event, he was a great leader. Although there are many tales about the origin of dragons in China, the most reasonable possibility is that finding the giant fossils of dinosaurs may be a good reason for ancient people to make these fictions. There is no similarity in appearance with the western dragon. However, during Marco Polo’s journey to China, he got familiar with this concept, and his description of the Europeans may have affected their imagination of the dragon.

Chinese Dragon Types

Here are the 8 different types of dragons in Chinese culture. Although there are other types of dragons in Chinese mythology, these are the main types.

1

Spiritual Dragons (Shenlong)

They control both the winds and the rains on earth. These two elements are essential for the survival of humans’ lives, and they have to make sure that humans benefit from both of them.

2

Treasure Dragons (Fucanglong)

They are underworld dragons that protect from hidden or buried treasures, whether these treasures are made by humans or natural ones. According to ancient Chinese fiction, volcanic eruptions are their reports to heaven.

3

Winged Dragons (Yinglong)

Most Chinese dragons are wingless. However, these special types have a pair of wings, and their duty is related to bringing clouds and rain to humans. People also consider the relationship between them and floods. These are the oldest types of dragons in Chinese mythology.

4

Horned Dragons (Qianlong)

In Chinese beliefs, they are rare and also powerful. Some people thought they had a connection with the winged dragons and made rain.

5

Coiling Dragons (Panlong)

As ancient Chinese people cared a lot about time, they set an individual dragon for it. Although this dragon can control time, it is restricted to water and condemned to live in water.

6

Underground Dragons (Dilong)

People believe they are the feminine version of the spiritual dragons and help them control the rivers and seas. They fly as a couple with spiritual dragons. In some regions of China, people think they are in charge of human fertility.

7

Celestial Dragons (Tianlong)

Guardian dragons whose duty is guarding the heavenly dwellings of the gods. They have wings and great flying abilities. They are brave and good warriors.

8

Dragon Kings (Lóng Wángthe)

They are dragon gods, the most powerful ones. They rule seas and lands and manage other dragons by making important decisions about how they must act. They can be shaped into various forms, even humankind. All four directions (East, West, North, and South) are their territory.

Chinese Dragon Symbolization

Dragon in Chinese is an important creature in mythology, so Chinese people consider it a symbol of different things. Here are some of them:

Kindness

There are many tales about Chinese dragons that introduce them as kind and warm creatures. In these stories, they help people in trouble and have a supportive role.

Good Fortune

Not only Chinese people but also others believe dragons are a great symbol of fortune and luck. This idea may be a reason for seeing a picture of a dragon on the wall of many casinos.

Agricultural life

We have already started the relationship between Chinese dragons and agriculture. According to Chinese mythology, dragons are the weather and season controllers. Because of having wings, male dragons can fly and bring rainy clouds with themselves, and female dragons are earthly waters like seas, rivers, and wells controllers.

Nobleness

In Chinese belief, those who were born in the year of the dragon are nobler than others. They believe these are selected humans, and they have good fortune in their lives. They are usually more powerful and healthier than others.

Wisdom

Chinese fiction dragons are wise and thoughtful creatures. They overcame many difficult situations by using their wisdom. Some academic organizations in China have used dragons in their logo.

Dragon in China
Chinese Dragon in China

The Importance of Dragons in Chinese Culture

Holiness

People in China worshipped dragons and were respectful to them. There are many temples and shrines which have been built to honor them. If you go to a holy place in China, you may see them on the walls or at the top of the columns. Sometimes there are statues of dragons in these places due to religious beliefs.

Commerce Affluence

In Chinese opinion, a dragon can be an influential creature in affluence and wealth of commerce. Even during the New Year celebrations, there is a Chinese dragon dance. It is for asking for a well-earned year and the prosperity of business.

A Blessing from Heaven

As mentioned, there were dragon gods before, and they were very respected by farmers. Because people thought these gods were involved in the quality and quantities of agricultural products, they made offers and used to give them many gifts to ask for a good harvest year. They also thought these gods could protect their lands and harvests from heavy floods, which was common in the past.

Vigilant role

Some people in China believe dragons can have a vigilant role in their homes and occupations. They’re seen as protective figures so that they may keep a dragon picture in their homes or tattoo the shape of dragons on their body. You may see dragon engraving on wooden stuff or stones.

Dragon in China
Dragon in China

Chinese Dragon Colors, Different Symbols

There are different colors for Chinese dragons, and each one contains a unique message and symbolizes differently. Dragons may be in different colors, but there are five primary colors: Red, green, black, blue, and yellow.

Chinese Dragon Types, History, Symbolism, and Legends 1
Colorful Dragon in China

People usually put blue and green dragons with each other. Blue dragons symbolize the power of the sky and are related to the rains and water, while green ones symbolize nature and Earth’s fertility. Most people associate white dragons with purity. In some regions, people may believe they have a relation to death. Red dragons are considered symbols of both good fortune and happiness. You can see red dragons at almost all parties and ceremonies, especially at weddings.

Yellow dragons usually mean power for their carrier. They are the most used dragons for being a symbol of an empire and its emperors. In other words, they were loyal dragons and were emperors’ favorites. In some places, people believe yellow dragons are the symbol of wisdom and wealth (since gold is yellow too).

Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese calendar has a 12-year cycle of animals. This calendar assigns an animal to each year, and people believe each zodiac animal gives specific properties to its year. The dragon is the fifth animal. There is an old fiction behind this election. An ancient emperor decided to name each year for an animal and throw a big party. He said the order of naming would be in sync with how animals arrived at the party.

Year of the Dragon
Year of the Dragon

He expected the dragon to arrive earlier as it was the most powerful animal, but he came after Rat, Ox, Tiger, and Rabbit. He was surprised and asked about the reason. The dragon said that on the way, he saw a village that was suffering from a prolonged drought, and he had to bring them rainy clouds so once again they could have a good life. The emperor was so happy when he heard of this generosity and noble, so he gave him the fifth position of naming in the zodiac cycle.

Chinese Dragon FAQ

What does the Chinese dragon represent?

The Chinese dragon is believed to represent many positive qualities, including good luck, power, wisdom, and prosperity.

What is the significance of the Chinese dragon in Chinese culture?

The Chinese dragon is an important symbol in Chinese culture, representing power, strength, and good luck.

Are Chinese dragons real creatures?

Chinese dragons are not real creatures but are instead mythological creatures in Chinese culture.

How is the Chinese dragon different from other dragons in Western mythology?

Chinese dragons are generally depicted as more benevolent and less threatening than dragons in Western mythology, and they are seen as having more positive associations.

What are the physical characteristics of a Chinese dragon?

Chinese dragons are typically depicted as having a long, serpentine body, sharp claws, and a scaly exterior, among other physical features.

What is the history of Chinese dragons in Chinese mythology and folklore?

Chinese dragons have a long history in Chinese mythology and folklore, with some stories dating back thousands of years.

What are the different types of Chinese dragons and what do they symbolize?

There are several different types of Chinese dragons, each with their unique characteristics and symbolism, such as the Horned Dragon, the Winged Dragon, and the Coiled Dragon.

What is the role of the Chinese dragon in Chinese festivals and celebrations?

The Chinese dragon plays an important role in many Chinese festivals and celebrations, particularly the Chinese New Year.

How are Chinese dragons depicted in Chinese art and literature?

Chinese dragons are a common subject in Chinese art and literature, often depicted as powerful, wise, and benevolent creatures.

How did the Chinese dragon become a symbol of power and strength in Chinese culture?

The Chinese dragon has become a symbol of power and strength in Chinese culture due to its association with the Emperor and the Imperial family, as well as its mythical status as a powerful and benevolent creature.

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