Yinglong: Symbol of the Chinese Dragon

November 13, 2025

Throughout myth, the dragon is a prevalent figure. In Chinese myth, the dragon holds a special significance. Emblems of the creature can be found on important or even sacred items, such as ancestral shrines, ritual objects, and “spirit objects” intended for burial.[1] Evidently, this shows it as a highly revered beast, often associated directly with the emperor or imperial power itself.[2] This narrative is exemplified by the myth of Yinglong, a dragon that embodies many of the notions held about the dragon in Chinese culture, with a twist that displays a level of ultimate power.

In the associated myth, Yinglong is considered the Yellow Emperor’s personal dragon, making him an Imperial dragon.[3] Some interest is in this relationship, as it is believed that Yinglong was once a servant of the emperor, becoming immortalized in this dragon form.[4] There is some debate over the nature of the Imperial dragon, whether this is simply a marker of a true Chinese dragon or a signifier of great power. There is a visual signifier of Imperial dragons having five toes and therefore claws, as opposed to three or four.[5] Regardless of the reasoning, it is clear that this element shows the dragon to be more capable in some way, as it has an attribute allowing it greater tactical ability that is otherwise absent in others.

Continuing, the myth goes on to state that Yinglong was called upon to assist in battle against a band of demon brothers and their leader Chiyou.[6] There are two recollections of the ending of this myth. In one, the Yellow Emperor’s daughter is the victor; in the other, the victory belongs to Yinglong. For the purposes of this discussion, the focus will be on the ending in which Yinglong is victorious, as the way in which he reigns supreme is of inherent interest.

As stated, Yinglong “flaps his giant wings and causes fierce rains to drench the opposing army. He launches numerous airborne attacks, using his fangs, tail, and the storm to destroy Chiyou’s host.”[7] A well-educated reader may take note of the fact that this particular dragon has wings, a factor that is notably absent from the vast majority of depictions regarding Chinese dragons. Unlike their western counterparts, this specific grouping’s ability to fly is chalked up to mystic power, perhaps further indicative of the mastery of certain elements they are seen to portray. Thus, Yinglong having these wings is of great significance. This is likely a further display of ultimate power. Additionally, textual material states that upon reaching three thousand years of age, these dragons “transform from small water snakes and develop wings.”6

 This hints at Yinglong being a being of great age, and furthermore, one of great wisdom due to such an amount of time spent living. This would not be a far-fetched assumption to make, as Chinese dragons are often considered wise, benevolent creatures that bring gifts to mankind.[8] This is further attached to associations of good fortune and luck, although I digress.[9] Also of note is the fact that there is a mention of dragons becoming snakes, or originating from such. This brings back the ever-present serpent in mythos, which the dragon is ultimately characterized as. This connection is of much greater significance when faced with the depiction of western dragons, as they do not hold such high reverence as those from China.

Additionally, Yinglong is said to “help restore the land by drawing drainage tunnels in the Earth with his tail,” after the events of the battle.[10] This attribute is notable as it further draws connections to the Chinese dragon and the provision of water. The text elaborates by saying that upon the death of the emperor, Yinglong no longer serves the people, making his domain in southern China, where rainfall is most prevalent due to his presence.9 Chinese rain ritual dances are done with an effort to call upon Yinglong for help in times of drought and for the provision of good fortune.10 A sentiment that aptly describes the dragon, and therefore Yinglong, is that “He controls the rain, and so holds in his power prosperity and peace.”[11]

Ultimately, Yinglong’s connection to the emperor is a reverence for Imperial power, a figure of not only great power but great respect.[12] Regarding all aspects mentioned, Yinglong is an apt symbol of the Chinese dragon as a whole, only differing from typical representational elements with a large wingspan that places him higher than other dragons. How he is referred to with the male honorific may seem innocuous, but it too is important, as this symbolizes yang, which is considered a masculine principle, as yin is the female.[13] This further shows the great consideration in depicting Yinglong, taking in many elements of what it means to be a Chinese dragon. If anything is to be taken from this myth and its representation of Yinglong, it is that the dragon is a potent symbol of China, and with it comes a great prestige, inspirations of hope, power, wisdom, and good fortune. Yinglong shows us how important the Chinese dragon is to its people.

[1] Wilson, J. Keith. “Powerful Form and Potent Symbol: The Dragon in Asia.” 1990. Pp. 297-300. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25161297?read-now=1&seq=15#page_scan_tab_contents.

[2] Encyclopedia Britannica. "long.” 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/long.

[3] Sun, Jiankun. “Fantastic Creatures of the Mountains and Seas a Chinese Classic.” 2015. Pp. 317.

[4] Wong, Meilin. “Oriental/Chinese Dragon.” https://mythicalrealm.com/creatures/chinese_dragon.html.

[5] Steer, Dugald. “Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons.” 2003. Pp. 8.

[6]  C., Lutz R. “Critical Survey of Mythology & Folklore: World Mythology.” 2013. Pp. 183. https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.cc.opal-libraries.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=c6edca0a-ee94-423f-ba6d-e55b0ec6f565%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=lkh&AN=111794091.

[7] C., Lutz R. 1. Pp. 183.

[8] Steer, Dugald. 1. Pp. 7.

[9] The Dragon Blog. “Symbolism of the Dragon.” 2023. https://autumn-dragon.com/blogs/the-dragon-blog/symbolism-of-the-dragon.

[10] C., Lutz R. 1. Pp. 183.

[11] Werner, E. T. C. “Myths and Legends of China.” 2009. Pp. 263. https://ohiolink-ccad.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01OHIOLINK_CCAD/10tumc7/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9781420939682.

[12] hello-word. “The Winged Dragon Yinglong in “Shanhaijing.” 2025. https://vocal.media/art/the-winged-dragon-yinglong-in-shanhaijing.

[13]  Minneapolis Institute of Art. “Japanese Tiger and Dragon.” https://new.artsmia.org/programs/teachers-and-students/teaching-the-arts/artwork-in-focus/japanese-tiger-and-dragon.