PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Hobbies and Crafts
Drawing
Drawing Animals
Easy Drawing Tutorial: Chinese Dragons Download Article Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a Chinese dragon drawing Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson
Last Updated: February 21, 2025
Download Article X
This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 216,254 times.
Have you seen those beautiful paper and paint dragons they hang up in Chinese restaurants? Do you want to draw or paint one? Although they may look difficult to draw at first, they are really easy to do! Be sure to look at the images for guidance (click on them to enlarge).
Steps
Download Article
1 Draw two medium-sized circles that almost touch each other. Inside, draw a pretty big black circle inside it. Those will be the pupils. You can make the pupils any color, but you can also make no pupil at all. If you decide to make it without any pupil, your dragon will get a more scarier, fierce look.
2 Draw two angry looking eyebrows so the dragon can look fiercer if you added the pupils on the eyes. (Optional) Advertisement
3 Draw the nose of the dragon by drawing a sort of four-leaf clover then draw the snout - making it like a trunk of a palm tree. If you are already in the mouth part, erase a bit of the snout and make a line that leads onto the mouth.
If you want to, you can make the mouth of your dragon open and also add a tongue like in the picture.
Don't forget to add the sharp teeth! The dragon is nothing with out sharp and menacing teeth.
4 Draw the neck and scales. Do you notice the orange things coming out of the back of the dragon? This is what separates the Chinese dragons from the fairytale dragons. When you draw the neck, make sure it looks elegant yet chunky and ugly. On the front of the neck, make sure you draw a patch of color on it. Remember to add scales in the back.
5 Draw the body. Make sure to make the body all tangled together like a spaghetti noodle. Or you can make the body all in a swaying way. Remember to draw the scales and the almost flaming things in the back.
6 Color it. Chinese dragons can be bright colors, like red and orange, or dark colors like purple and blue. Color your dragon for a realistic affect.
7 Compare your image and add anything you may have missed out.
8 Enjoy your picture. Hang it up on a frame, give it to a loved one, or tape it to your binder's cover to show it off.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question What is the easiest way to draw a Chinese dragon? Community Answer Draw two parallel S-curved lines and taper them off on one end. On the other end, draw a large oval and a smaller circle underneath. Trace the oval and circle together. You should have a basic Chinese dragon shape. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 33 Helpful 73
Question How do I make the eyes look madder? Community Answer Add large bushy eyebrows and make the eyes squint. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 35 Helpful 44
Question Why do Chinese dragons have horns? Community Answer In Chinese culture, you will find that dragon horns often symbolize strength and power. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 42 Helpful 54
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Remember to color!! Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
If your result doesn't come out exactly like the picture, that's fine. A more creative spin could actually be better! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Shading makes the drawing look more realistic. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Not everyone can draw a beautiful dragon at their first try so if your dragon doesn't come out as you expect it to be, try again. Once you get a hang of it, you will probably draw one of the most beautiful and best dragons anyone has seen! Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 9
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toDraw a DragonHow toDraw a Dragon HeadHow toMake an Origami DragonHow to Make a DIY Paper Dragon Puppet: 2 Easy TutorialsHow to Draw a Realistic DragonflyHow toDraw ToothlessHow toMake a Clay DragonHow to Draw a Snake: An Easy TutorialHow toMake a Paper SnakeHow toDraw a Simple HorseHow toDraw Cool ThingsHow toDraw a MonsterHow toDo a Snake Hand TrickHow toCreate Clay Animals Advertisement
About This Article
Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Professional Painter This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 216,254 times. 309 votes - 66% Co-authors: 28Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 216,254 Categories: Drawing Animals In other languagesSpanish
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 216,254 times.
Reader Success Stories
Angela Wang
Apr 2, 2017
"It helped me because I am just a starter, but with the step-by-step pictures and instructions, I find it a lot easier to draw. Now I don't have to miss out on our school's drawing club."..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Professional Painter 309 votes - 66% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 28Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 216,254
Angela Wang
Apr 2, 2017
"It helped me because I am just a starter, but with the step-by-step pictures and instructions, I find it a lot easier to draw. Now I don't have to miss out on our school's drawing club."..." more Rated this article:
Clary Sammi
Mar 30, 2017
"I was working on a map in history and needed to know how to draw a dragon. This site is really helpful if you're not a great artist."..." more Rated this article:
Howard Chester
Mar 26, 2021
"It turned out bad but my second try succeeded!"
Keelin B.
Feb 1, 2017
"You guys are awesome! It helped a lot!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
What Should I Draw QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Chinese Zodiac Sign QuizTake QuizDragon Name GeneratorGenerate NamesWhat Mythical Creature Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Symbol Best Represents Me QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Am I Based on My Birthday QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toDraw a DragonHow toDraw a Dragon HeadHow toMake an Origami DragonHow to Make a DIY Paper Dragon Puppet: 2 Easy Tutorials
Featured Articles
What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)
Trending Articles
How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizAm I Chopped QuizWhat Generation Do I Really Belong In QuizHow toKiss
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
How Will I Die QuizHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 Weeks10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallWhat Animal Do I Look Like QuizHow Rare Is Your Name?What Gender Should I Have Been Born As Quiz
Quizzes & Games
What Monster Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Would Go On My House Crest QuizTake QuizWhat Dinosaur Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Wild wikiHow Article Am I QuizTake QuizArt Prompt GeneratorGenerateHarry Potter House Quiz for KidsTake Quiz
Categories
Hobbies and Crafts
Drawing
Drawing Animals
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a Chinese dragon drawing Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson 
Advertisement 
Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Professional Painter This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 216,254 times. 309 votes - 66% Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 216,254 Categories: Drawing Animals In other languagesSpanish 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate Names
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate
Take Quiz 
535 
1 Draw two medium-sized circles that almost touch each other. Inside, draw a pretty big black circle inside it. Those will be the pupils. You can make the pupils any color, but you can also make no pupil at all. If you decide to make it without any pupil, your dragon will get a more scarier, fierce look. 
2 Draw two angry looking eyebrows so the dragon can look fiercer if you added the pupils on the eyes. (Optional) Advertisement 
3 Draw the nose of the dragon by drawing a sort of four-leaf clover then draw the snout - making it like a trunk of a palm tree. If you are already in the mouth part, erase a bit of the snout and make a line that leads onto the mouth. 
4 Draw the neck and scales. Do you notice the orange things coming out of the back of the dragon? This is what separates the Chinese dragons from the fairytale dragons. When you draw the neck, make sure it looks elegant yet chunky and ugly. On the front of the neck, make sure you draw a patch of color on it. Remember to add scales in the back. 
5 Draw the body. Make sure to make the body all tangled together like a spaghetti noodle. Or you can make the body all in a swaying way. Remember to draw the scales and the almost flaming things in the back. 
6 Color it. Chinese dragons can be bright colors, like red and orange, or dark colors like purple and blue. Color your dragon for a realistic affect. 
7 Compare your image and add anything you may have missed out. 
8 Enjoy your picture. Hang it up on a frame, give it to a loved one, or tape it to your binder's cover to show it off. Advertisement 
Community Answer Draw two parallel S-curved lines and taper them off on one end. On the other end, draw a large oval and a smaller circle underneath. Trace the oval and circle together. You should have a basic Chinese dragon shape. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 33 Helpful 73 
Community Answer Add large bushy eyebrows and make the eyes squint. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 35 Helpful 44