In General, dragons were described visually as a composite of animal parts: The horns of a deer; the head of a camel; the eyes of a devil; the neck of a snake; the abdomen of a large cockle; the scales of a carp; the claws of an eagle; and the ears of an ox.

In the story of ‘Journey to the West’, Sun Wukong (Monkey King) obtained Ruyi Jingu Bang, his magically-expanding, gold-ringed iron rod weapon, from Ao Guang, (Dragon of the Eastern Sea).

In the dragon’s palace, Sun Wukong tried out several kinds of heavenly weapons, many of which bent or completely broke as he wielded them, but as Sun Wukong neared Ruyi Jingu Bang, it began to glow, signifying that he was its true owner.

In addition to the magic staff, Sun Wukong also forced Ao Guang to give him other magical gifts; including a red cape, a phoenix-feather cap, and cloud-walking boots.

Despite several feuds and battles that ensued after this transaction, Sun Wukong and Ao Guang eventually did settle their differences to become tolerable of each other.