Of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, long or dragon is the only creature that was imagined by blending the physical features and virtues of various animals. Dragon has embodied so many rich cultural meanings that its appearance symbolizes dignity, prestige and auspiciousness.
Arts, objects of craftsmanship and architecture bear the images of dragon, and folk celebrations linked with it are held throughout the year, expressing the wishes for prosperity of people from different social ranks.