A displayed ceramic plate with dragon decorations from reign of Kangxi (1662-1722).[Photo provided to China Daily]

As early as the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC), Chinese rulers began to give themselves titles as embodiments of "Dragons from Heaven".

"Different peoples began to revere and worship long over the centuries, as Chinese civilization spread from the Central Plains," Wang explains.

For example, when the Khitan people ruled northern China by establishing the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), they continued to use the dragon as the symbol of the throne. The same goes for the Mongols, who ruled China during the Yuan Dynasty, and the Manchu rulers of the Qing Dynasty.

"It demonstrates their recognition of traditional Chinese culture, as represented by long," Wang explains.

"That mixture shows the inclusiveness of Chinese civilization."