Chinese mythology
The Chinese dragon is one of the most important mythical creatures in Chinese mythology, considered to be the most powerful and divine creature and the controller of all waters who could create clouds with their breath. The dragon symbolized great power and was very supportive of heroes and gods. The conventional dragon has a certain description, however there are other dragons or dragon-like beings that vary from this description. For example, the Chi of mythology lacks horns. Dragons often chase or play with a mystical or flaming pearl. A dragon-fenghuang pairing is a common motif in art, the fenghuang often being called a "phoenix".
Throne of Jade
In the alternate setting, dragons are an important part of Chinese society. Unlike the European nations, which consider dragons to be barely controlled monsters, the Chinese folklore on dragons views them as symbols of power, wisdom, and good luck. Dragons are considered equal citizens and it is even mentioned in the text that dragons have sometimes held the throne. The book reveals that the status of Celestial dragons in China resulted in the events of the first book; rather than simply invoking dragons as symbols, emperors in the "Temeraire" setting have "actual" dragons (specifically the Celestial breed) as bond companions. In order to prevent a crisis of succession from two Celestials, the court decided to send Temeraire's egg to Napoleon because he held the title Emperor, perhaps unaware that it was self-styled.