
They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water.

Academicians have identified four reliable theories on the origin of the Chinese dragon: snakes, Chinese alligators, thunder worship and nature worship.

Chinese dragons have many animal-like forms such as turtles and fish, but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. The Chinese dragon, also known as the loong, long or lung ( Chinese: 龍 / 龙), is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology, Chinese folklore, and Chinese culture at large.

"Dragon" in oracle bone script (top left), bronze script (top right), seal script (middle left), Traditional (middle right), Japanese new-style ( shinjitai, bottom left), and Simplified (bottom right) Chinese characters
