From its external shape, the Kirin combines a lion's head, antlers, tiger's eyes, an elk's body, dragon scales, and an ox's tail into one; its tail is hairy like a dragon's tail, with one horn carrying meat. But it is said that Qilin's body is like a musk deer, and it was regarded as the favor of gods and benevolent by the ancients. Qilin has longevity and can live for two thousand years. He can spit fire and his voice is like thunder. "The hairy worm is three hundred and sixty, and the unicorn is as long as that" (hairy worm: hairy animal).

Pixiu, also known as Tianlu, ward off evil spirits, and Baijie, is a mythical beast in ancient Chinese myths and legends. It has a dragon head, a horse body, and lin feet. It looks like a lion and has a fur color. Gray and white, it can fly. Pixiu is a ferocious and powerful creature. It is responsible for patrolling in the sky to prevent demons, ghosts, plagues and diseases from disturbing the heaven.