Preface: The four divine beasts are important symbols in ancient Chinese culture, namely the Qing Long, the Bai Hu, the Zhu Que and the Xuan Wu. These sacred beasts not only have an important position in culture, but also incorporate the concepts of the five elements and directions, representing the east, west, south and north respectively. The historical background of the Four Divine Beasts can be traced back to the ancient worship of the stars and hosts, which were not only mythical creatures, but also products of the ancient people’s understanding of and worship of the heavens. These sacred beasts also had important applications in ancient astronomical observation and divination, reflecting the ancient people’s reverence and understanding of the natural world.
在很久很久以前 ， 有四大神兽 ， 也称为 “ 四象 ”。
In a long time ago, there were four great mythical creatures，Also known as the “Four Elements”..
青龙是东方的神 ， 代表春天 ， 它的属性是木 。
The Qing Long is the god of the east, representing spring and associated with the element of wood.
青龙象征着生机和繁荣 ， 是龙的化身 。
The Qing Long symbolizes vitality and prosperity, and is the embodiment of the Long.
龙在古代是最厉害的神兽 ， 代表皇帝的力量 。
In ancient times, Longs were the most powerful mythical creatures and represented imperial power.
青龙的身体像蛇 ， 头像鳄鱼 ， 角像鹿 ， 鳞像鱼 ， 爪像鹰 。
The Qing Long has a snake-like body, a crocodile-like head, deer-like horns, fish-like scales, and eagle-like claws.
它能呼风唤雨 ， 还能驾驭云雾 。
It can summon wind and rain, and ride on clouds and mist.
白虎代表西方 ， 它的属性是金 ， 对应秋天 。
The Bai Hu represents the west and is associated with the element of metal, corresponding to autumn.
白虎在四象里代表杀伐 ， 样子凶猛 。
The Bai Hu represents slaughter in the Four Symbols and has a fierce appearance.
它全身都是白色的皮毛 ， 像只巨大的老虎 。
Its whole body is covered with white fur, resembling a huge tiger.
白虎代表战争和力量 ， 是正义的守护者 。
The Bai Hu represents war and power, and is the guardian of justice.
古代军队也用它做标志 ， 说它能驱邪避凶 。
Ancient armies also used it as a symbol, saying that it could ward off evil and avoid disasters.
朱雀是南方的神 ， 代表夏天 ， 它的属性是火 。
The Vermilion Bird is the god of the south, representing summer and associated with the element of fire.
朱雀不像普通的鸟 ， 它像凤凰一样 ， 全身都是火 。
The Vermilion Bird is unlike ordinary birds; it resembles a phoenix and is covered with fire.
人们说朱雀是太阳的化身 ， 能在天上飞 。
People say that the Vermilion Bird is the embodiment of the sun and can fly in the sky.
它代表重生和不朽 ， 是吉祥和高贵的标志 。
It represents rebirth and immortality, and is a symbol of good luck and nobility.
玄武代表北方 ， 它的属性是水 ， 对应冬天 。
The Black Tortoise represents the north and is associated with the element of water, corresponding to winter.
玄武的样子是龟和蛇 （ 或龙 ） 的结合 。
The appearance of the Black Tortoise is a combination of a turtle and a snake (or Long).
它的背上是龟壳 ， 周围缠着蛇 ， 象征长寿 。
Its back is covered with a turtle shell, surrounded by snakes, symbolizing longevity.
在道家哲学里 ， 玄武还代表阴阳平衡 。
In Taoist philosophy, the Black Tortoise also represents the balance of yin and yang.
这四大神兽的形象在很多地方都能看到 。
The images of these four great mythical creatures can be seen in many places.
比如艺术设计 、 建筑装饰和雕塑工艺品 。
Such as in art design, architectural decoration, and sculptural artworks.
它们给这些地方增添了艺术和文化内涵 。
They add artistic and cultural connotations to these places.
四大神兽一起守护着我们的国家和人民 。
The four great mythical creatures together guard our country and people.
它们是我们的重要信仰 ， 代表着繁荣和幸福 。
They are our important beliefs and represent prosperity and happiness.
通过阅读中国神话、民间故事、历史典故、人物传记学汉语，简单易学，中英对照，适合初学者！
Learning Chinese through reading Chinese mythology, folk stories, historical allusions, and biographies is easy to learn and bilingual, suitable for beginners!