When I think about the cultural significance of snakes, Chinese mythology always stands out for its rich and intricate stories that paint these creatures as both powerful and mystical. Snakes in Chinese mythology are more than just animals; they embody wisdom, transformation, and a connection to the divine. From the serpent-like deities of ancient folklore to their presence in astrology, these creatures have left an indelible mark on Chinese culture.
If you’re interested in comparing Chinese snake myths to others, I’ve also written about snakes in Japanese mythology, snakes in Egyptian mythology, and snakes in Greek mythology.
For a broader overview, check out my guide to snakes in mythology, or dive into the mysterious world of snakes in voodoo.
Key Points About Snakes in Chinese Mythology
Let's break down the key points that highlight their symbolic and mythological significance. Whether you’re a mythology enthusiast or just curious about how different cultures perceive snakes, this journey is as intriguing as it is enlightening.
To give you a quick overview, here are some key points about snakes in Chinese mythology:
- Nuwa, the Snake Goddess of Creation: Nuwa is one of the most revered figures in Chinese mythology. Depicted as a half-human, half-snake goddess, she is credited with creating humanity and repairing the heavens. Her snake-like lower body symbolizes fertility, transformation, and the divine.
- Snakes as Symbols in the Chinese Zodiac: The snake is the sixth sign in the Chinese zodiac, representing wisdom, intuition, and elegance. People born in the Year of the Snake are often seen as intelligent and mysterious.
- Dragons Evolving from Snakes: In many Chinese myths, dragons are believed to have evolved from snakes, with snakes seen as their earthly counterparts. This connection emphasizes their shared qualities of power, transformation, and a link to water and rain.
- Snakes as Guardians of the Underworld: In ancient Chinese folklore, snakes were often portrayed as guardians of treasures or entrances to the underworld, embodying a dual role of protector and gatekeeper.
- Yinglong, the Winged Snake Dragon: One mythological creature, Yinglong, blends the qualities of a snake and a dragon. Known as a divine being, it plays a significant role in controlling floods and assisting legendary heroes.
Now, let’s dive deeper into some of these stories and symbols to understand how snakes have shaped Chinese mythology and culture.
Nuwa: The Snake Goddess of Creation

One of the most captivating figures in Chinese mythology is Nuwa, a goddess with the body of a snake and the upper torso of a human.
According to legend, Nuwa created humanity from yellow clay, molding each person by hand. When a catastrophic flood tore through the heavens, it was Nuwa who repaired the broken sky with colorful stones.
What fascinates me most about Nuwa’s story is how her snake-like form symbolizes her dual nature: nurturing yet otherworldly. In Chinese culture, snakes often represent fertility and the cycle of life and death, which fits perfectly with Nuwa’s role as a creator and protector.
Her myth underscores the idea that snakes are not just fearsome creatures but also bringers of life and order.
The Snake in the Chinese Zodiac

The snake is an important and fascinating animal in the Chinese zodiac, which is based on a 12-year cycle where each year is represented by a different animal.
If you were born in the Year of the Snake, you’re believed to have unique qualities that set you apart.
In Chinese culture, the snake is seen as wise, intuitive, and elegant. People born under this zodiac sign are often thought of as deep thinkers who are naturally curious about the world. They value beauty, enjoy uncovering hidden truths, and have a way of seeing things from a unique perspective. Because of this, they’re often described as mysterious or hard to figure out, much like the snake itself.
What’s interesting is how the zodiac snake reflects the way snakes are viewed in Chinese mythology. In myths, snakes are symbols of wisdom and transformation, and they often hold a balance between opposing forces, like life and death or chaos and order. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to embody this same balance. They’re seen as thoughtful, clever, and sometimes a little enigmatic, which makes them similar to the snake’s mythical and cultural role.
I love how this connection between the zodiac and mythology creates such a rich image of the snake. It shows us that this animal isn’t just about physical traits—it’s also about personality and the deeper qualities that make someone unique.
The Link Between Snakes and Dragons
Dragons are without a doubt the most famous and beloved creatures in Chinese mythology.
They are symbols of power, strength, and good fortune, often connected to rain and rivers. But what you might not know is that many Chinese myths suggest a fascinating link between dragons and snakes. In fact, some stories say that dragons actually evolved from snakes, which makes their connection even more meaningful.
In these myths, dragons often show snake-like features, such as long, winding bodies that slither like a serpent. In other stories, snake deities gain dragon-like traits, like the ability to fly or bring rain. This shows how closely tied these two creatures are in Chinese culture. It’s as if the snake represents the earthy, grounded form, while the dragon is its more powerful, heavenly version.
In ancient China, snakes were deeply respected because of their connection to water and agriculture. They were seen as creatures that could influence rivers, rain, and the fertility of the land. Dragons share these same traits but are considered even more divine, as they are believed to control the weather and ensure the balance of nature. Both creatures symbolize life, growth, and transformation, which is why they are so often linked in mythology.
I think this connection between snakes and dragons is a beautiful example of how mythology builds on nature. It shows how ancient people looked at snakes and saw something magical—something that could transform into the mighty dragon, a creature of great wonder and power.
Snakes as Guardians of the Underworld

In Chinese mythology, snakes are often seen as guardians.
They protect treasures, sacred places, and even the entrances to the underworld. This shows how snakes can be both scary and respected, with a special role in keeping important places safe.
Some stories describe giant snakes coiled around trees or temples, guarding knowledge or magical treasures. But their role isn’t just about keeping things physically safe. Snakes are seen as creatures that exist between different worlds—like life and death or earth and the spirit world.
Because of this, they’re perfect symbols for protecting places where only certain people, like heroes or the wise, are allowed to go.
Yinglong: The Winged Snake Dragon
Let’s talk about Yinglong, a fascinating creature from Chinese mythology that combines the features of a snake and a dragon.
Yinglong, often described as a winged serpent, is a powerful and divine being with incredible abilities. It’s not just a mythical creature—it represents the balance between earth and sky, water and air, and chaos and order.
One of Yinglong’s most famous stories is about its role in helping Yu the Great, a legendary hero, control devastating floods in ancient China. In this myth, Yinglong uses its strength and connection to water to assist Yu in taming the rivers and bringing balance to the land. Its serpent-like qualities link it to the earth and water, while its dragon features—like its wings and divine status—make it a symbol of higher power and wisdom.
Yinglong is unique because it combines the grounded nature of the snake with the heavenly traits of the dragon. Snakes are often seen as connected to transformation and adaptability, while dragons are symbols of might and control.
Yinglong blends these characteristics, showing how these creatures can work together to create harmony.
Why Snakes Matter in Chinese Mythology
As I explored these myths and symbols, one thing became clear: snakes in Chinese mythology are incredibly versatile.
They represent wisdom, transformation, protection, and the balance of opposing forces. Whether it’s through deities like Nuwa, the zodiac, or their connection to dragons, snakes hold a unique place in the cultural imagination.