The Story of Pixiu: Ancient Legends Behind the Mythical Guardian
From Jiang Ziya’s Mount to a Legendary Guardian
According to ancient legends, Pixiu was originally the mount of Jiang Ziya, one of the most respected figures in Chinese mythology.
Pixiu is usually described as having a dragon’s head, the body of a tiger or leopard, and qilin-like feet. Beneath its forehead hangs long whiskers, and behind its shoulders grow eagle-like wings, allowing it to fly. Its appearance is fierce and commanding, radiating strength and authority.
Pixiu is often portrayed with two horns, a curled tail, and thick mane-like hair that flows from its chest to its back. Its eyes are large and prominently raised, and it has long, sharp fangs, giving it an intimidating presence.
Because Pixiu combines features from several powerful animals, it is also known by another name — “Si Bu Xiang,” meaning “the creature that resembles everything, yet is none of them completely.”
This unique form symbolizes dominance, protection, and supernatural power, which later became the foundation of Pixiu’s role as a guardian and wealth-attracting figure in feng shui culture.
The Second Legend of Pixiu
Another well-known legend tells a different story about Pixiu’s origins.
It is said that Pixiu was actually the ninth son of the Dragon King, the youngest among the famous “Nine Dragon Sons” of Chinese mythology. Each of the Dragon King’s sons had a unique nature and destiny, and Pixiu was no exception.
According to the legend, Pixiu was born with a mouth but no anus. It could only take in wealth, never release it. Even more intriguingly, Pixiu fed exclusively on gold, silver, and precious jewels.
Because of this unique trait, Pixiu came to be seen as a powerful symbol of wealth accumulation and protection. Over time, people began to believe that wearing or honoring Pixiu could help improve personal fortune, attract wealth, and prevent money from slipping away.
This legend is one of the key reasons Pixiu remains one of the most popular wealth symbols in feng shui and traditional Chinese culture today.
The Third Legend of Pixiu: Liu Bang and the Imperial Pixiu
Another famous legend links Pixiu to Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty.
According to tradition, after Liu Bang unified China and established his rule, the imperial treasury was nearly empty. Some even claimed that Liu Bang did not possess the destiny of an emperor and that his reign would not last.
Concerned for the future of the empire, Empress Lü ordered two powerful Imperial Pixiu, known as Overlord Pixiu, to be brought into the palace. These two Pixiu were placed in the imperial study, each holding a Lingzhi Ruyi in its mouth, to safeguard the nation and stabilize Liu Bang’s rule.
With their protection, Liu Bang was able to establish a dynasty that endured for over four hundred years.
After Liu Bang’s death, the two Pixiu were officially bestowed the title “Imperial Treasures.” From that moment on, the Overlord Pixiu was regarded as the supreme form among all Pixiu, honored as the King of Pixiu.
The Overlord Pixiu has a very distinctive appearance. Its head is turned sideways at a ninety-degree angle to the body, forming the classic “looking back” posture. It stands firmly upright, its feet resting on ancient coins, its body covered in armor-like scales, and a Lingzhi Ruyi held in its mouth.
Each element carries symbolic meaning:
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The sideways head represents the belief that unexpected wealth leads to prosperity, strengthening windfall and secondary income.
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The upright body symbolizes a stable empire and smooth career progress.
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Standing on coins represents steady income and success in one’s main career.
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The Lingzhi Ruyi signifies wishes fulfilled, favorable outcomes, and wealth passed down through generations.
Because it strengthens both regular income and windfall wealth at the same time, the Overlord Pixiu is seen as embodying both rightful authority and commanding power.
For this reason, the Overlord Pixiu is considered the most powerful and majestic form of Pixiu, widely revered as the true King of Pixiu.