Fishers worship the four Dragon Kings at a shrine in Rizhao, Shandong province. Photos Provided to China Daily

Dragon Kings 龙王 (long wang)

The four Dragon Kings are the divine rulers of the oceans, who control weather and bring rainfall. As befits kings, each has a royal court and commands an army of ocean creatures. The Dragon Kings appear many times in classical literature, most famously in the epic Journey to the West. Their magical powers extend far beyond controlling the weather, as they can appear in dragon form, human form, or as massive spouts of water. Even today, shrines throughout China honor the Dragon Kings and travelers seek their favor on new journeys. It is best to stay on the Dragon Kings' good side though, as many stories discuss their willingness to cause droughts, storms and floods.

Blue and white porcelain plate with a dragon. Photos Provided to China Daily

Azure dragon 青龙 (qing long)

The Azure Dragon of the East is one of the most famous dragons in China. One of the Four Constellations (, s xing, four symbols) it can be seen in the night sky alongside the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West and the Black Turtle of the North. The Azure Dragon has a reputation for providing protection and in Chinese literature, it has been reincarnated as several famous war heroes. The Azure Dragon is associated with spring and the element of wood. The day that the Azure Dragon "raises its heads" (when the constellation becomes visible) has gained popularity as an auspicious day to get a haircut.