For the Chinese people, the dragon is one creature which they deem important to their own cultural heritage. The Chinese dragon is often depicted as a four-clawed snake creature which appears long and scaly. Chinese folklore attributes the Chinese dragon to a propitious power. Likewise, the Chinese tradition associates the concept of the Chinese dragon to yang or male—a bringer of water and rain to the agricultural lands of China.

Travelling to China will give you a complete brush through of the symbolisms of the Chinese dragon. Why do the Chinese people highly regard this mythical creature? A tour at the national museum of China will answer your question.

Chinese Dragon Symbolism

Historically speaking, the dragon was once used as the symbol of China’s Emperor. Starting off with the Yuan Dynasty, the ordinary Chinese citizens were prohibited to use the dragon as a symbol for anything else. Later on with the rise to power of the Qing Dynasty, the dragon was used as the emblem for the national flag.

The dragon symbolizes aggressiveness, usually something brusque and war-like. This is what the Chinese government wants to evade. That is why currently, you see more of the giant panda than the dragon for national insignia.

The dragon is also used as a term to address the Chinese people. They are often referred to as the “descendants of the dragon”.

So far, Chinese culture in the modern times allows the use of the dragons for ornamental intentions. However, it has always been a taboo for the Chinese folks to mutilate in any way the portrayal of a dragon.

Chinese Dragon’s Yin and Yang Sides

The Chinese dragons are viewed as having 117 scales. 81 of which represent the essence of yang (positivism) whereas the other 36 scales account for the yin spirit (negativism). Thus, the Chinese dragon is noted both for is aggressive and destructive natures. Chinese folklore even believed that some of the horrible floods experienced by man had been the making of the dragon.

If you wish to know more of the Chinese dragon and how much it is valued by the Chinese people, I recommend that you visit the national museum of China. Choosing a good tour guide is advantageous as he or she will explain to you thoroughly the significance of this creature to the Chinese belief.

Are there any supernatural powers attributed to the Chinese dragon? Do they fly?

As per the Chinese tradition per se is concerned, the Chinese dragon has supernatural powers too. It can disguise itself into a silkworm or can change its size to become as big as the universe itself. It can also fly and hide in the clouds or to dive onto the waters. It can glow in the dark or turn itself invisible. You can read books on Chinese folklore for you to find the answers to your queries.

I’ve been to China and seeing the Chinese dragon emblem made me realize that the mythical creature holds a great place in the country’s culture and tradition. The national museum displays a representation of the Chinese dragon. I recommend that you join a pack of tourists when going for a tour in China. Make sure that you stop by the museum!

"descendants of the dragon" is such a cool nickname