Basic Information

Alternative spellings: Chao Feng, Chaofung
Type/Species: Long
Origin: Taoist Mythology, Chinese Mythology

About Chaofeng

Chaofeng was one of the nine sons of the dragon. [1] He enjoyed precipices [3] and danger, and he was both inquisitive and adventurous. [1] Thus, the dragon assigned Chaofeng to keep order in public places. [4]

Alternatively, the visage of Chaofeng was carved into roof ridges [1] and along the four corners of roofs [3] to frighten away evil spirits and stave off disaster. [1] The motif of chaofeng was placed at the forefront of the animals on the eaves of buildings. [1]

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Physical Description

Chaofeng was no a traditional lung dragon. He has a short, thick neck and a short, bushy tail. He has scales, claws, and two horns upon his head. [1]

Chaofeng's body wasn't serpentine [1] but instead was more lion-like. [3] His image remains displayed on the roof of each building in the Forbidden City. [2]

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Quick Facts

  • Chaofeng was one of the nine sons of the dragon. [1]
  • His visage of Chaofeng was carved along the four corners of roofs [3] to frighten off evil spirits. [1]
  • He was displayed on the roof of each building the Forbidden City. [2]
  • He enjoyed danger and adventure, [1] including precipices. [3]
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Footnotes

  1. Bates 44
  2. Bates 45
  3. De Visser 101
  4. National Geographic [Essential] 342

For more information on footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.

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