Tradition / Region: Chinese mythology
Alternative names: None known
Category: Cat
The Myth
The Zheng is a strange beast described as resembling a red leopard with five tails and a single horn. Its cry sounds like the striking of stone. It is said to inhabit Mount Zhang’e, a barren mountain devoid of vegetation but rich in jade and precious stones.
According to the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), the Zheng lives on Mount Zhang’e, located two hundred and eighty li to the west. The mountain is described as barren of plant life but abundant in jade and valuable stones. There dwells the Zheng, an extraordinary creature whose appearance and voice distinguish it from all other beasts. Its body resembles a red leopard, yet it possesses five tails, a single horn, and emits a sound like stone being struck. No further actions, powers, or legends are recorded in the source.
Sources
“狰 (Zhēng).” Chinese Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed July 28, 2026. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/狰