Dragons and Serpents

Nine Dragons scroll by Chen Rong, with dragons among clouds and waves.
Nine Dragons. Scroll by Chen Rong (1244).
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Dragons and serpents are synonymous in Chinese mythology and represent wisdom, the benevolent power of heaven, and the fertilizing currents of the earth.

There are four dragon kings, who dwell in the clouds and send rain when it is needed. In each region there are therefore dragon-kings who govern the streams, rivers, and wells.