How to Draw an Eastern Dragon (Easy Step by Step)
This little eastern dragon is round, friendly, and a bit sleepy-looking, with a long curvy body that floats among puffy clouds. It is built from simple shapes: a rounded head, a big U-shaped body, a swooping tail, and bumpy cloud outlines. Once you know the curves, you can make your own dragon.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw an eastern dragon step by step
How to Draw an Eastern Dragon · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: The head
Draw a curved line like the letter C turned a little sideways. It makes the top, the snout bump on the left, and the bottom of the head, and the right side stays open.
Step 2: Neck and body
Draw a long curved line down from under the chin on the left for the front of the neck. Then draw a curvy line on the right that starts behind the head and swoops down and around in a big U shape.
Step 3: The tail
Draw a small fin at the right with three pointy leaf shapes. Then draw a long curved line from the fin sweeping down and left to make the tail.
Step 4: Horns
Draw two little horns on top of the head, each shaped like a small heart or a curly leaf. Put one near the left of the top and one near the right.
Step 5: Eyes and smile
Draw two round dots for the eyes, with a space between them. Add a tiny smile curve in the middle, just below the eyes.
Step 6: Neck bumps
Draw a row of little round bumps along the back of the head and neck, like a soft wavy edge. Start below the right horn and curve down to meet the body.
Step 7: Belly bumps
Along the inside of the curved body, draw a wavy line of small bumps. Start near the middle of the body and bounce along toward the tail.
Step 8: Big cloud
Draw a puffy cloud at the bottom left by making a row of round bumps joined together with a flat bottom. Let it tuck up against the dragon's body.
Step 9: Small clouds
Add three small clouds with the same round bumps: one at the top right, one at the left, and one at the bottom right near the tail.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your eastern dragon? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a unicorn or how to draw a dragon next.
Tips for drawing an eastern dragon
- Start the head with a light curve, then add the little snout bump on the left. It keeps the face from looking flat.
- The body is the trickiest part. Draw the front of the neck first, then the back curve, and keep the two lines about the same distance apart.
- For the neck and belly bumps, make each bump about the same size and let your pencil bounce along in little waves.
Free eastern dragon coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this eastern dragon coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your eastern dragon drawing
Try a bright green or deep blue body with a lighter belly, and pale blue clouds. For a creative twist, give the dragon rainbow colors on its horns and bumps.
Eastern dragon fun fact for kids
In Chinese tradition, dragons are symbols of good luck and power, and they are often linked with rain, rivers, and clouds. Unlike many dragons in European tales, Chinese dragons are usually shown with long, snake-like bodies.
Questions about drawing an eastern dragon
What shapes do I need to draw an eastern dragon?
You need a curved line for the head, a big U-shaped curve for the body, and little bumps for the scales and clouds. Small heart or leaf shapes work well for the horns.
How do I make my dragon look cuter?
Keep the eyes round and spaced apart, and add a tiny smile. A chubby body and a small snout make any dragon look friendly.
How is an eastern dragon different from a western dragon?
An eastern dragon usually has a long, snake-like body and is often shown as a kind, lucky creature linked with clouds and water. Western dragons in European stories are often shown with wings.
