The mythical creature often called the Chinese unicorn is the qilin, or Qilin.
The qilin is a benevolent, auspicious creature in Chinese mythology. It is usually depicted as a hoofed chimera combining features of several animals: a dragon-like head, antlers, scales, cloven hooves, and sometimes a body resembling a deer, ox, horse, or goat. Artistic versions may also show flames surrounding its body.
Calling the qilin a “Chinese unicorn” is useful shorthand, but it can be misleading. Western unicorns are generally imagined as horse-like animals with one horn, whereas qilin imagery varies considerably. Some qilin have one horn, while others have two or no clearly visible horn, and their symbolism is much broader than that of the Western unicorn.
The qilin is associated with benevolence, justice, prosperity, and the appearance of a wise ruler or sage. Legends say that one appeared before the birth or death of Confucius. The creature also appears in the traditions of neighboring cultures, including the Japanese kirin, Korean girin, and Vietnamese kỳ lân.