Dragons are seen as powerful elemental forces, associated with weather and in particular rain and storms. They symbolise supernatural power and traditional virtues of health, fertility, vigilance and dignity.

Like the Chimera, the dragon in China is often seen as a combination of parts of other animals.
Traditionally, it has stags’ horns, Eagle claws, crocodile jaws, camel’s head, cows’ ears, rabbits’ eyes and carp scales.

Modern dancing dragons are comprised of 7 poles to support the dragons body. The body is constructed from textile skin, which is painted with scales, over a rattan skeleton.

During the dance, the dragon continually pursues a pearl that represents the sun and wisdom.