Are there raccoon dogs in Chinese folklore?

Yes, raccoon dogs, known as " tanuki" in Japanese folklore, are often associated with shape-shifting and playful trickster qualities. In Chinese folklore, while the tanuki itself is not a prominent figure, its characteristics are similar to those of the "huli jing" or fox spirit, which also embodies transformation and cunning. Both creatures reflect themes of duality and the interplay between the natural and supernatural worlds.