Myth ColoringCreature notes · 颙 · yóng
Yong Coloring Page
An owl-like bird with a human face, four eyes, and ears whose appearance was said to foretell great drought.
About Yong
Origin
Shan Hai Jing · Nanshan Jing
Appearance
The Shan Hai Jing describes Yong as an owl-like bird with a human face, four eyes, and ears. This coloring design interprets the compact description as a round, four-eyed feathered creature with broad wings, talons, and a high perch amid clouds and stylized flames. Its golden, cream, brown, and orange palette is a modern artistic interpretation rather than a fixed ancient image.
Legend
The text places Yong in Zhonggu, a valley south of Mount Lingqiu, and says that its call is its own name. It also records an ominous sign: when the bird appears, the realm will suffer a great drought. This is ancient mythic omen lore, not a scientific prediction or a description of a real animal.
Symbolism
Yong combines watchfulness and unease: its four eyes and ears imply heightened perception, while its appearance signals a drought. The modern illustration's flame-like forms emphasize that ominous association without presenting them as details from the ancient text. As a coloring page, the feathers, branch, clouds, flames, and multiple eyes invite gold, cream, brown, orange, or an entirely personal 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 Yong 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.