Chinese Auspicious Animals

The dragon is the most important auspicious creature in Chinese culture; Chinese people traditionally call themselves descendants of the dragon. Unlike the fearsome dragon of Western stories, the Chinese dragon is wise and generous, with power over rain, rivers and floods. In paintings it is shown as a long, serpent-like creature with four legs. It is regarded as the luckiest of all animals, bringing wealth, happiness and good fortune, which is also why the Dragon is seen as the most powerful sign of the 12-animal zodiac.

Where to place it: Place a dragon in the east of your home or office, or on the left side of your desk (as you sit). Keep it in living or work areas, not in the bedroom or bathroom.

The phoenix (Feng Huang) is the most respected bird in Feng Shui and the queen of all birds. It is a symbol of rebirth: according to legend it burns itself every 500 years together with everything negative around it, and is reborn from the ashes. It is linked to the Fire element and the south. Paired with the dragon, it represents a perfect marriage, the empress beside the emperor.

Where to place it: Place a phoenix image or statue in the south to support fame and recognition, or keep a dragon-and-phoenix pair in the living room or the south-west for marital harmony.

The tortoise (or turtle) is a symbol of longevity, wisdom and stability. The Black Tortoise is the guardian of the north and of the Water element. It stands for good health, harmony and a long life, and it is traditionally given as a gift, often made of copper or brass, to wish someone a long and stable life.

Where to place it: Place a tortoise in the north, or behind your desk chair, to give you solid support in your career. A tortoise with a dragon head combines protection with prosperity.

The White Tiger guards the west and is linked to the Metal element and autumn. It gives courage and protects against harm, misfortune and negative energy. Because its energy is strong, Feng Shui advises using it carefully.

Where to place it: Place a tiger image in the west, facing out of the home rather than into the room, and never in a bedroom or facing the main door from inside. It should always sit lower than any dragon in the same space.

The Qilin, often called the Chinese unicorn, has the head of a dragon, the horns of a deer, the hooves of a horse, the tail of an ox and colourful scales. It is gentle and kind and harms no living thing, yet it is brave enough to stand against evil. It is a symbol of moral integrity and one of the most dignified mythical animals, and it is traditionally believed to bring the blessing of children to a couple.

Where to place it: Place a pair of Qilin at the entrance for protection, or one in the west of the bedroom area of the home (not on the bed) for the blessing of children.

The fish is one of the strongest symbols for attracting money and luck; the Chinese word for fish (yu) sounds like the word for abundance. The koi carp also stands for perseverance, because legend says a koi that swims up the waterfall becomes a dragon. Feng Shui tradition holds that a fish may even take on misfortune to protect its owner. Goldfish, koi, flowerhorn and other carp varieties are popular choices.

Where to place it: Keep an aquarium in the north, east or south-east of the living room, not in the bedroom or kitchen. A traditional choice is nine fish: eight gold or red fish and one black fish to absorb negative energy.

The horse stands for speed, perseverance, freedom and victory. It is a favourite symbol for people who love to travel and for anyone who wants fast progress in their career. An image of a horse on an executive's desk represents power and success.

Where to place it: Place a horse statue or painting in the south (the Fire direction), facing into the room or towards the door, never out of a window. Galloping horses suit career goals.

The Pi Xiu (or Pi Yao) is a winged lion-like creature believed to have an endless appetite for gold and silver. Because it has no way to let wealth out, it is said to attract money and keep it in the home. It also protects against bad luck.

Where to place it: Place a Pi Xiu near the main door, a window or your work desk, facing outward so it can catch wealth coming in. Do not place it in the bedroom or facing a mirror.

The three-legged money toad (Chan Chu) is usually shown sitting on coins with a coin in its mouth. Legend says it was once a greedy creature that was turned into a helper who brings wealth. It is especially popular in shops and offices.

Where to place it: Place it near the main door, facing into the home as if it has just arrived with money. Never put it in the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom.

Mandarin ducks mate for life and are seen swimming together, so a pair is a classic Chinese symbol of true love, faithfulness and a happy marriage.

Where to place it: Place a pair of Mandarin ducks in the south-west, the love and relationship area, or in the bedroom. Always keep them as a pair.

The crane is one of the most important symbols of long life in China, often shown with pine trees, which also stand for longevity. It represents wisdom, grace and the blessings of age.

Where to place it: Place a crane painting in the living room or the west, especially in a home with elders, to wish the family long and healthy lives.

In China the bat is lucky, because its name (fu) sounds like the word for good fortune. Five bats together represent the Five Blessings: long life, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death in old age.

Where to place it: Use bat motifs on artwork, fabrics or gifts; five bats around a longevity symbol make a traditional gift for elders.