yep, correct me if I'm wrong, but a lot of Chinese mythology has to do with the concept of the four directions/five elements:
East = spring, blue/green, azure dragon, wood South = summer, red, vermilian bird (Fenghuang/Phoenix), fire West = autumn, white tiger (Qilin/Kirin), metal North = winter, black tortoise, water Center = China itself*, yellow dragon of the center
*of course, every country has to be its own center of the world >.> Wiki: [link](Chinese_constellation) Random Site: [link]
funnily enough have you ever watched an anime called Twelve Kingdoms? if not you should check it out they have a lot of Kirin in that one and it is REALLY good i just started watching it last night and im on episode 15 already
East = spring, blue/green, azure dragon, wood
South = summer, red, vermilian bird (Fenghuang/Phoenix), fire
West = autumn, white tiger (Qilin/Kirin), metal
North = winter, black tortoise, water
Center = China itself*, yellow dragon of the center
*of course, every country has to be its own center of the world >.>
Wiki: [link](Chinese_constellation)
Random Site: [link]