The dragon is a legendary creature rooted deeply in ancient Chinese mythology.
Its earliest form originates from the traditional Chinese astral system of the Twenty-Eight Mansions, shaped from six constellations—Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, and Tail.
For the Chinese people, the dragon is far more than a mythical animal; it is the most important national totem of the Huaxia civilization.
The Chinese proudly call themselves “Descendants of the Dragon,” viewing the dragon as a symbol of culture, spirit, and identity.
Born from agrarian culture, the Chinese dragon represents harmony between heaven and earth. It is believed to bring timely wind and rain, ensure prosperity, and embody qualities such as courage, vitality, good fortune, and auspiciousness.
This reverence explains why many Chinese bear the character “龙” (dragon) in their names—such as Jackie Chan (成龙) and Bruce Lee (李小龙).
🐉 The Nine Sons of the Dragon
According to ancient mythology, the dragon has nine sons—each with a distinct personality and preference, and none resembling the dragon itself.
This expression symbolizes how siblings can share the same origin yet possess entirely different traits and inclinations.
In traditional Chinese culture, the number nine signifies “many” or “abundance.”
Thus, some scholars believe “nine sons” is not meant literally, but rather as a poetic way to express multiplicity and diversity.
The Nine Sons of the Dragon — Chinese Mythology Explained
1. Qiúniú (囚牛)
Qiúniú, the eldest son of the dragon, loves music above all. It often perches on the head of the qin (a traditional Chinese zither) to enjoy the melodies created by plucking the strings. For this reason, its image is commonly carved on the qin’s head.
2. Yázì (睚眦)
Yázì, the second son, is fierce and warlike, fond of fighting and killing. Its image appears on weapons such as sword guards, hilts, and dragon-shaped sword mouths. These decorations not only enhance the imposing power of the weapon but also appear on ceremonial arms and palace guards, symbolizing solemnity and authority.
3. Cháofēng (嘲风)
Cháofēng, the third son, looks like a beast and is fond of danger and gazing afar. Statues of Cháofēng appear in single file along the ridges of palace roofs, led by a celestial figure riding a mythical bird, followed by dragons, phoenixes, lions, heavenly horses, sea horses, Suānní (lion-like creature), Yāyú (fish-like creature), Xièzhì (mythical beast), fighting bulls, and others. The placement of these figures follows a strict hierarchical order, with the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City uniquely featuring all ten figures. Cháofēng symbolizes good fortune, beauty, dignity, and also wards off evil spirits and disasters, adding both solemnity and vitality to the architecture.
4. Púláo (蒲牢)
Púláo, the fourth son, resembles a coiled dragon and is fond of roaring. Its image is found on large bells as a dragon-shaped knob. According to legend, Púláo lives by the sea and is terrified of whales. When attacked by whales, it screams loudly. Therefore, bell makers place Púláo as the knob and shape the bell striker as a whale to produce a loud, penetrating sound.
5. Suānní (狻猊)
Suānní, the fifth son, looks like a lion and prefers calm and smoke. It often decorates the feet of Buddhist statues and incense burners. The use of Suānní in Buddhist art originated during the Han dynasty when Buddhism was introduced from India and became widespread during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Folk artists added traditional Chinese elements to its design, making it one of the dragon’s sons. Suānní figures are also found as decorative collars on Ming and Qing dynasty stone or bronze guardian lions.
6. Bàxià (霸下)
Bàxià, also called Bìxì, resembles a turtle and is known for its strength and ability to carry heavy loads. Its image is used as the base of monumental stone tablets. Legend says Bàxià once carried the Three Mountains and Five Peaks and caused storms in rivers and seas. When the legendary hero Yu tamed the floods, he commanded Bàxià to help dredge rivers and build canals. To prevent it from causing chaos, Yu placed heavy stone tablets on its back, which it now carries. Though similar to turtles, Bàxià can be distinguished by a row of teeth and different shell patterns. It symbolizes longevity and good fortune.
7. Bì’àn (狴犴)
Bì’àn, also known as Xiànzhāng, resembles a tiger and is fond of litigation but also has great power. Its image appears on the upper parts of prison gates as a tiger head decoration. Legend has it that Bì’àn is just and outspoken, able to discern right from wrong, and enforces justice. Its fierce image also guards the sides of government courtrooms, maintaining order and solemnity.
8. Fùxì (负屃)
Fùxì, the eighth son, looks like a dragon and loves literature. Its image decorates the sides of stone steles and tablets. China’s long history of stone inscriptions includes works of art with elegant carvings and famous poems. Fùxì adores these literary treasures and often appears as a patterned dragon coiling around the base of tablets, enhancing their elegance and beauty. Together with Bàxià at the base, they create a magnificent scene.
9. Chīwěn (螭吻)
Chīwěn, also known as Chīwěi or Chīwěn, is a dragon-like creature that sits at the ends of palace roof ridges. It has a wide mouth and loud voice and loves to swallow things. Ancient texts record that it was believed to control rain and fire disasters. Its water affinity makes it a protective figure against fire. Its prototype may have been a giant deep-sea whale.