Dragons were and are important in China's present and past. Cardinal directions, religion, and festivals are some of the ways in which dragons are important. East is the direction dragons represent; being east they also represent the sunrise. They oppose the white tiger who represents the west. Tigers also represent death. Gods, protectors of the gods, and givers of water are some of the ways dragons are important to China's religion. Dragons are also associated with many celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year and the beginning of the spring rains.

The Chinese have five major types of dragons: heavenly dragons, who protect the gods; imperial dragons, who protect the emperors; spiritual dragons, who control wind and rain; earthly dragons, who deepen the rivers and seas; and the guardians of the hidden treasure, who guard the hidden treasures of the gods.