The Evolution of Dragon Imagery in Chinese Animation

As a mythical creature constructed by the Han ancestors and the oldest totem of the Chinese nation, the dragon holds a unique position in the history of Chinese civilization. Spanning over four millennia, the dragon myth has endured as a carrier of spiritual beliefs and aspirations, from emperors to the common folk. As the origin of Asian dragon culture, the Chinese dragon has had a profound and extensive impact worldwide, influencing the 'dragon culture' in other Asian regions to varying degrees. Therefore, the inheritance of dragon culture holds significant importance for both preserving traditional culture and enhancing international cultural competitiveness.

In recent years, domestic animation in China has witnessed a surge in the creation of 'new mythological' works, which have brought substantial cultural value and commercial benefits to the Chinese animation industry through adaptations of traditional culture, cross-cultural communication, and transmedia storytelling. The 'dragon,' as a universally recognized symbol of Chinese traditional culture, plays a crucial role in domestic animation creation and international cultural dissemination, possessing tremendous potential for development and cultural value. This paper aims to examine the historical development of dragon culture in China and the evolution of dragon imagery in Chinese animation, exploring the changes in its depiction, creative techniques, and cultural value. By tracing its evolution, we seek to gain insights into Chinese society and its zeitgeist, and provide practical significance for traditional image creation and international dissemination.