Myth ColoringCreature notes · 犀 · xī
Xi Coloring Page
Xi is the ancient Chinese rhinoceros named in the Shan Hai Jing, later described in commentary as a powerful, dark animal with three horns.
About Xi
Origin
The Shan Hai Jing records that the lower slopes of Mount Daoguo held many xi and si, alongside elephants. Here xi refers to the rhinoceros rather than a wholly imaginary monster. The brief main text gives no anatomy, but Guo Pu's later commentary describes a dark, low-legged animal resembling a water buffalo, with a pig-like head, three-toed feet, a large belly, and three horns.
Appearance
The artwork follows the later three-horn description through a heavy rhinoceros-like body, broad feet, layered hide, and horns rising from the nose, forehead, and crown. Its stone-like armor plates, spiral markings, red mane, turquoise and gold accents, autumn tree, and cloud-wrapped mountain setting are modern artistic additions. The cinematic poster further enlarges and embellishes the animal rather than reconstructing a zoological specimen.
Legend
The Shan Hai Jing places rhinoceroses on Mount Daoguo, a mountain rich in metals and jade. Unlike many neighboring entries, it does not attach a magical power or adventure to Xi. Later commentators supplied a vivid physical portrait, including the much-repeated account of three horns positioned on the crown, forehead, and nose. The entry preserves how a rare and formidable real animal could enter an ancient landscape with the same sense of wonder as fantastic creatures.
Symbolism
Xi represents endurance, grounded strength, and the boundary between natural history and legend. Its thick body and prominent horns made it extraordinary to distant audiences even without supernatural powers. As a coloring page, the layered hide, mane, decorative scales, horns, branches, rocks, and clouds invite earthy stone colors, autumn reds, touches of turquoise and gold, or a completely original palette.
Finished Artwork
Printable Coloring Page
Print the clean black-and-white line art, or download the A4-friendly PDF for your coloring table.
Coloring Ideas
The color reference is only a starting point. Try a palette that feels right to you: soft pencils for a quiet, storybook look, bold markers for stronger contrast, or colors inspired by a favorite landscape. You do not need to match the finished artwork exactly—this Xi coloring page is yours to explore.
Color Preview
Printing Tips
- Print the black-and-white PDF at A4 size or choose “Fit to page.”
- Use crayons, colored pencils, or markers on a paper weight that suits your tools.
- Keep the color guide on screen or beside you for inspiration while coloring.