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Qilin — Mythical Creature of Benevolence, Strength, and Auspiciousness 

Qilin also referred to as the Chinese Unicorn, is the symbol of benevolence, bravery, virtue, and talent and represents a good omen that can foretell future greatness.

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Qilin is one of the most important and widely used mythical creatures in Chinese culture, as one of the Four Auspicious Spirits in Chinese mythology, along with Dragon, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

Qilin Painted by Yu Sheng and Zhang Weibang of the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912)

Qilin Painted by Yu Sheng and Zhang Weibang of the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912) — Palace Museum

What is the Origin of Qilin?

 

Qilin has been auspicious since it was documented for its close connection to the birth and death of sage Confucius (about 551 BC — 479 BC). 

 

One day, a Qilin came to a family's yard, went to the pregnant mother, and spit out an inscribed jade tablet, saying, "Son of God of Water, A Remarkable King But Without A Throne."

 

The next day, a baby boy was born into this family, who later grew up into Confucius, a great educationist and philosopher, and founder of Confucianism.

Jade Decoration of the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912) Based on Story of Qilin Spitting of Jade Book

Jade Decoration of the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912), Based on Story of Qilin Spitting of Inscribed Jade Tablet that Foretold the Future Greatness of Confucius — Palace Museum

In Shijing (Classic of Poetry or Book of Songs), the first poetry collection in China that Confucius compiled, it was documented as a righteous, kind-hearted mythical creature and was used to represent talented and virtuous nobles. 

 

But in 481 BC, something dark and tragic occurred. The king of Confucius’s state captured a magic creature, which was later identified as a Qilin.

 

This sacred creature, which only appeared during times of peace and prosperity, had been hurt, and soon after its capture, it died.

 

Confucius saw this as a dreadful omen—the death of the Qilin, to him, signaled the end of an era of harmony and the beginning of turmoil.

 

Heartbroken, Confucius penned a sorrowful eulogy for the fallen Qilin, and he stopped writing altogether.

 

Just two years later, the great sage passed away, leaving behind a legacy that forever linked the Qilin to wisdom, virtue, and the rise of remarkable figures.

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From that moment on, the Qilin has been not only a symbol of peace and prosperity but a divine creature associated with the brightest and most virtuous minds.

Image of Qilin on Blue and White Porcelain Jar of the Yuan Dynasty (1271 — 1368)

Image of Qilin on Blue and White Porcelain Jar of the Yuan Dynasty (1271 — 1368) — British Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

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What is the Relationship Between Qilin and Chinese Dragon?

 

Regarding the connection between Qilin and the Chinese Dragon, there are some different versions:

 

 

 

  • Qilin is the kid of a dragon and a cattle.

Images of Qilin Carved on Stone Fence of the Yuan Dynasty (1271 — 1368)

Images of Qilin Carved on Stone Fence of the Yuan Dynasty (1271 — 1368) — Capital Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

What Does A Qilin Look Like?

 

Qi for males and Lin for females, their looks in historical documentation and cultural relics differed in history.

 

However, Qilin is generally colorful, with a single horn, a dragon or lion's head, an elk's body, a tiger's eyes, a dragon's scales, cattle's hooves, and an ox's tail.

Image of Qilin on Cloisonne Pitcher of the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644)

Image of Qilin on Cloisonne Pitcher of the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644) — British Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

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They can fly in the sky, walk on water, roar like thunder, blow out the fire, and are fed on grass.

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However, with solid hooves and sharp horns, they had never trampled on anything; with such intimidating power, they had never attacked anyone.

 

For thousands of years, they have always chosen to be compassionate and benevolent and stay kind.

Qilin Blowing Out Fire

Qilin Blowing Out Fire, Picture by Aowu Xiaonaixiong.

What Does Qilin Symbolize in Chinese Culture?

 

For the connection to the sage Confucius, Qilin has been the auspicious representative of:

 

  • The mythical creature that can bring people with smart babies;​

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  • Benevolence and Compassion;

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  • Power and Righteousness;

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  • Flourishing and Peaceful;

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  • Omen of Appearing of Sages and Future Greatness;

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  • Representative of brilliant people.

Qilin Carved on Jade Belt of the Ming Dynasty

Qilin Carved on Jade Belt of the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644) — Tianjin Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying) 

How Have Images of Qilin Been Used Throughout History?

 

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To Honor 

 

In ancient China, the Qilin symbolized exceptional accomplishment and virtue.

 

During the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC — 8 AD), a special hall known as the Qilin Court (Qilin Ge) was established within the royal palace. 

 

This hall displayed portraits of esteemed generals and ministers—those whose contributions were so significant they received the emperor's approval.

 

Since then, the Qilin Court has stood as a lasting representation of supreme honor and extraordinary achievement, symbolizing the highest level of recognition in the empire.

Qilin Hoof Shape Golds of the Western Han Dynasty

Qilin Hoof Shape Golds of the Western Han Dynasty, Made Under Command of Emperor Wu of Han (156 BC — 87 BC) to Memorize Encountering of A Qilin During His Hunting and to Award Nobles and Contributive Officials — Nanchang Relic Museum for Haihun Principality of Han Dynasty (Photo by Dongmaiying)

To Guard

 

Qilin statues have long been a familiar sight at the entrances of temples, homes, and significant buildings, revered for their protective qualities.

 

These majestic creatures were believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune, standing as steadfast guardians for all.

 

Their presence was thought to bring good luck and safety, ensuring that both royalty and common folk alike could dwell in harmony and peace.

Gilt Bronze Qilin in Front of Cining Gate of Forbidden City

Gilt Bronze Qilin in Front of Cining Gate of Forbidden City

To Show Power and Authority

 

During the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912), the Qilin became a symbol of power and authority, prominently featured in the attire of the highest-ranked military officials.

 

The majestic image of the Qilin was embroidered on their garments—known as buzi—signifying not only their esteemed rank but also their connection to this auspicious creature.

 

This powerful representation reinforced the Qilin's status as a guardian of strength and leadership within the imperial court.

 

Click to Read More About the Hierarchical Clothing Patterns of Officials

Qilin Buzi on First Rank Military Officer of Reign Period of Yongzheng Emperor (1722 — 1735)

Qilin Buzi on First Rank Military Officer of Reign Period of Yongzheng Emperor (1722 — 1735) — The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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To Pray for Healthy and Smart Babies

 

In Chinese culture, images of the Qilin have long been cherished symbols of hope for families.

 

These auspicious creatures are often embroidered on clothing, painted in artworks, and crafted into amulets that are gifted to women and children.

 

This tradition reflects a heartfelt wish for healthy babies and the hope that children will grow into strong, intelligent, and virtuous individuals.

 

The presence of the Qilin is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the next generation.

Qilin Carved on Gilt Silver Belt Decoration of the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644)

Qilin Carved on Gilt Silver Belt Decoration of the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644) — Haidian Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

To Pray for Good Luck

 

The Qilin Dance began as a royal ceremony but gradually transformed into a cherished folk celebration.

 

Performed during festivals, it invokes blessings for bountiful harvests and joyful lives.

 

Bursting with vibrant energy and the spirit of prosperity, the dance embodies the Qilin’s enduring connection to happiness and good fortune, captivating audiences and spreading positivity wherever it is showcased. 

Qilin Walking on Water

Qilin Walking on Water, Picture by Aowu Xiaonaixiong.

Use of Qilin in Feng Shui

 

As a kindhearted and powerful creature, Qilin statues have been widely used for Feng Shui purposes and are believed to bring people fortune, wealth, luck, kids, and success. 

 

However, the placement of their statues usually follows specific rules:

 

  • A pair should be placed together;

 

  • Statues usually should face the door;

 

  • Qilin in the front gate is for good luck and protection, on the study desk for success and career, in the bedroom for healthy and intelligent babies;

 

  • Exact positions differ based on people's birth dates and hours;

 

  • Their statues would only protect kind people, those evildoers or people in illegal business should not place Qilin, or else they would be punished. 

Qilin Shape Cloisonne Incense Burner of the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912) — Palace Museum

Qilin Shape Cloisonne Incense Burner of the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912) — Palace Museum 

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