Tradition / Region: Chinese Mythology
Alternative names: Lushu
Category: Horse

---

The Myth

Lu Shu is a mythical beast described in the Classic of Mountains and Seas. It dwells on Mount Niuyang and resembles a horse, but has a white head, tiger-like stripes across its body, and a red tail. Its cry is said to sound like a song or ballad.

The creature is also described in the Taiping Yulan, which states that it travels in groups, raising its head and calling loudly as it leaps across the land.

According to the Classic of Mountains and Seas, wearing the hide of a Lu Shu brings good fortune to one’s descendants. The Taiping Yulan similarly states that wearing its fur ensures that one’s offspring will become as numerous as clouds.

Later tradition records that during the Chongzhen reign of the Ming dynasty, people in the Minnan region claimed to have seen the Lu Shu.

---

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). 鹿蜀. In 维基百科，自由的百科全书. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%B9%BF%E8%9C%80

---