Pixiu
In its own language: 貔貅
from Old Chinese píxiū, possibly linked to Tibetan words for lynx or cat
A winged Chinese creature that guards wealth and wards off evil spirits
The pixiu is a mythical hybrid from China, often shown with the head of a dragon and the body of a lion. It is believed to draw wealth into homes and protect people from bad luck or harmful spirits.
- Eats gold but cannot expel it due to a heavenly punishment
- Male has one antler; female has two antlers
- Once reserved only for Chinese emperors
- Wards off evil spirits and bad feng shui
- Depicted with a dragon head and lion body
What it is
The pixiu is a legendary creature in Chinese culture. It looks like a strong lion with wings and a dragon's head. People believe it protects souls and brings good fortune. It is said to eat only gold and jewels. Because it cannot expel what it eats, it keeps wealth inside. This makes it a symbol of saving money. The creature is also seen as a fierce guard against evil forces.
Where it comes from
Stories about the pixiu go back two thousand years. One tale says it was punished by the Jade Emperor for defecating in heaven. Its rear was sealed so it could never lose what it gained. Another story calls it the youngest son of the Dragon King. He broke a seal and was turned into an animal. Ancient texts from the Han dynasty mention it as a fierce beast used on battle flags. It became a symbol of bravery in war before becoming a wealth charm.
How it is done
People place statues of the pixiu in their homes or offices. They are often put on roof corners or near entrances. The statues are believed to catch wealth from all directions. Some people wear jade pendants carved as pixiu. These charms are thought to help those having a bad year. The creatures are positioned to face outward to grab luck and inward to keep it safe.
Tools and materials
Statues are made from stone, jade, or metal. They usually show one antler for males and two for females. Modern images often show just one antler. The creature has sharp teeth and a split tail. The tail covers its rear to show it holds gold inside. Imperial versions had fat bodies to hold unlimited wealth. The smell of gold and silver is said to attract them.
Pixiu, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Nine sons of the dragon
- Timing
- daily
What it is for
The main goal is to attract cai qi, or wealth energy. It helps people who have offended Tai Sui, a spirit of bad luck. It also wards off yin qi, or negative energy. Families use it to protect their homes from disease and demons. It is believed to guard masters even after they die. Some think it can carry owners up to heaven.
Who does it
Households display the pixiu for personal benefit. Feng shui practitioners recommend specific placements. In ancient times, only royalty could own them. Emperors called it the Treasure of the Emperor. Common people were forbidden from keeping them. Today, anyone can buy statues or jewelry. Artists carve them into various materials for sale.
Peoples and places
The pixiu is central to Chinese folk belief. It appears in feng shui practices across China. Stories link it to the Dragon King and Taoist immortals. It is confused with qilin and stone lions by outsiders. The name changes based on gender and function. Bixie wards off evil, while Tianlu brings money. Both types serve the same cultural need for protection and prosperity.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
The creature belongs to a world of spirits and immortals. It flies between heaven and earth. Daoists believe it can visit the realm of xian. It drains the essence of demons and turns it into gold. The sealed rear is a magical rule that prevents wealth loss. Evil spirits fear its fierce nature. It patrols the heavens to keep demons away from humans.
When it is done
There are no specific festivals for the pixiu. It is used daily in homes and businesses. It helps during bad years according to the zodiac. Tomb guardians watch over the dead forever. Roof statues protect buildings at all times. The charm works whenever wealth is needed or evil is feared.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Sinologists trace the word to old texts about panther-like cats. Comparisons are made to Tibetan words for lynx. Historical records show it was used on military banners. Scholars note the shift from war symbol to wealth charm. The imperial ban on ownership is documented in history books. Modern studies look at how the image changed over centuries.
Cautions and what is closed
No specific dangers are listed for the creature itself. Colonial views might label such beliefs as superstition. However, these are living traditions for many people. Fake healers might sell expensive statues with false promises. The stories involve bodily functions but are treated as myth. There is no risk of harm from owning the statue.
Compare and confuse
It is often mixed up with the qilin or stone lions. Unlike those, it has feathered wings. The name taobao appears in old histories. Piyao is another modern translation. The sealed rear trait is unique to this beast. Other dragons do not have this specific wealth rule.
Questions people ask about Pixiu
What is a Pixiu?
It is a Chinese mythical creature with a dragon head and lion body. It is believed to bring wealth and protect homes from evil spirits.
Why does it have a sealed rear?
Myths say it was punished by the Jade Emperor. Its rear was sealed so it could never lose the gold it eats, making it a perfect wealth keeper.
How do I tell the genders apart?
Look at the antlers. The male, called Tianlu, has one antler. The female, called Bixie, has two antlers. Modern statues often show only one.
Where should I place a statue?
Feng shui guides suggest placing it on roofs or near doors. It should face out to catch wealth and in to keep it safe from flowing away.
Good reading and sources
- Pixiu on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pixiu", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
More from China
All the entries from China
🇨🇳 China and 2 moreJiang Ziya姜子牙
A historical strategist and war god who helped establish the Zhou dynastyFigure · Power and authority · Cursing and harm Historical
🇯🇵 Japan and 2 moreTamamo-no-Mae玉藻前
A nine-tailed fox spirit from Japanese legend who possessed emperors and concubines across Asia.Figure · Cursing and harm · Power and authority Legendary
🇨🇳 ChinaZhang Guolao张果老
A Taoist immortal known for his white donkey and fish drum, said to be a bat spirit.Figure · Protection · Luck and prosperity Legendary
🇨🇳 ChinaZhang Jue張角
A Taoist leader who used healing magic to spark a major rebellion in ancient China.Figure · Healing · Power and authority Historical
Related elsewhere
All figure
🇧🇪 Belgium and 2 moreHorseshoe
A metal shoe for a horse's hoof and a talisman of good fortuneCharm · Protection · Luck and prosperity Living
🇪🇬 Egypt and 3 moreAmulet
A portable object worn or carried to ward off harm and invite fortuneCharm · Protection · Luck and prosperity Living
🇳🇿 New ZealandKarakia
Māori recitations used for spiritual guidance, protection, and formal greetingsTradition · Protection · Speaking with spirits and the dead Living
🇮🇳 India and 5 moreKolamகோலம்
A daily geometric floor drawing made with rice flour at the home entrance in South IndiaTradition · Protection · Luck and prosperity Living