More than a thousand years ago, Tao Yuan Ming, a famous Chinese poet who lived during the Eastern Jin dynasty, wrote a well-known work, Peach Blossom Spring (Tao Hua Yuan).

In this work, he described the story of a fisherman who discovered a land hidden from outside civilization. Blessed with fertile fields and beautiful landscape, the inhabitants of the land enjoyed a carefree and happy life. He constructed an ideal society, a utopia, which he was searching for.

Since then, the land described in Tao’s work has been a renowned scenic spot ever. Peach Blossom Spring becomes a synonym for “utopis” in Chinese culture.

Ancient Chinese believed that Four Supernatural Beasts, also known as the Four Celestial Emblems, had supernatural power and each of them guarded a direction on the compass. They are Qinglong, Zhuque, Baihu and Xuanwu.

Their images appeared during the Warring States period (476 BC – 221 BC). Since then, they were frequently painted on imperial palace, hall door, the city gate or the wall of tomb to ward off evil spirits.

Each Beast stands for a corresponding season, color, element, virtue, etc.

Qinglong (Dragon). East, Green/Blue, Spring, Wood, Planet Jupiter, liver & gall

Zhuque (Phoenix). South, Red, Summer, Fire, Planet Mars; heart and large intestines

Baihu (White Tiger). West, White, Autumn, Wind, Metal, Planet Venus, lungs and small intestine

Xuanwu (Tortoise). North, Black, Winter, Cold, Water, Planet Mercury, kidneys and bladder