In Chinese New Year legend, the mythical beast frightened by red and loud noises is Nian.
Nian is described in traditional folklore as a terrifying creature that emerged around the New Year, attacking people and livestock. According to the best-known version of the story, villagers discovered that it feared the color red, fire, and loud sounds. They used red decorations, lanterns, firecrackers, drums, and other noisy displays to drive it away.
The legend is commonly presented as a cultural explanation for several New Year customs, rather than as a historical account. Red remains associated with luck, prosperity, protection, and celebration, while firecrackers and fireworks echo the story’s noise-making strategy. Nian should not be confused with qilin, a benevolent auspicious creature, or taotie, a motif and monster-like figure associated with ancient Chinese art and bronze vessels.