Fenghuang

The Chinese Phoenix

King of birds adorned with five colors; its appearance heralds peace. Together with the dragon it symbolizes harmony.

The fenghuang is the foremost auspicious bird. The Shanhaijing describes it on Danxue Mountain: shaped like a rooster with five-hued plumage, "when it appears the world knows peace." It perches only on the wutong tree, drinks only from sweet springs, and its feathers bear the marks of virtue, righteousness, propriety, benevolence and faith.