How the Dragon King Emerged From the Waves

Of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon, or loong, is the only one that doesn’t exist in the real world. Its inclusion highlights the magical creature’s status in Chinese culture, yet few might be aware of its more divine qualities. In ancient Chinese mythology, the dragon was a powerful rainmaker. During the Han dynasty (202 B.C.–220 A.D.), people made clay dragons to use in rituals