In Eastern Asia, specifically China and the lands about it, dragons were called by the general name Long. Chinese dragons were magnanimous creatures, holding a place of esteem in mythology. "The Chinese Dragon" details how there are several varieties of these dragons broadly divided into dragons of the sea, sky, and marshes. The most well-known in Chinese folklore is the Shen Long, which operates in all three regions.

According to the World History Encyclopedia, Chinese dragons figure prominently as symbols of power and royalty and often incorporated the parts of other animals. A typical description included deer antlers, demon eyes, carp scales, eagle claws, and a snake neck. Other descriptions of the Chinese dragon claim that it could change its appearance at will. Some Chinese dragons had wings, but most did not — although almost all could fly. "The Chinese Dragon" notes that dragons may be either red, black, red, yellow, or white. These colors, according to "The Mythical Creatures Bible," are symbolic, indicating a cardinal direction and an augury such as the coming of spring or impending famine. 

Different dynasties adopted different-colored dragons as their mascots. For example, the Qin dynasty's imperial color was yellow, so it adopted yellow dragons as its "official dragon." For the Ming, it was red. Also, Chinese dragons could have three, four, or five claws. Four was the most common version, and five-clawed dragons were held to be associated with the imperial family.