CHINA is called “a country of the dragon.” The dragon features prominently in Chinese mythology and folklore. It traditionally symbolized power, strength and fortune, and thus became a popular symbol of imperial power. Some places in China are associated with emperors and legends. At these places you can learn about Chinese history by tracing the footprints of the dragon. What could be better than visiting these places in the Year of the Dragon?

    Longyan, Fujian

    Longyan, a city in southwestern Fujian Province, is situated in the upper reaches of the Jiulong (Nine Dragons) River. The city acts as a gateway for trade with Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces and has rich natural resources, mineral deposits and forests.

    Longyan (Dragon Cave) is named after a cave in Cuiping Mountain, which is about 2 kilometers from the city’s downtown. The cave is called Dragon Cave because of dragon-shaped stripes on its rocks.

    The most famous attraction in Longyan is the Hakka Tulou, a group of rural dwellings of the Hakka people in the mountainous areas of Fujian Province. The dwellings were built between the 12th and 20th centuries.

    A tulou is a large, enclosed and fortified earth building, usually rectangular or circular, with very thick, load-bearing, rammed earth walls. A tulou usually is three to five stories high and can house up to 80 families. Smaller interior buildings often are enclosed by huge peripheral walls that can contain halls, storehouses, wells and living areas.

    Another attraction near Longyan is the Longkong Cave Scenic Area.

    Transport: Fly to Fuzhou or Xiamen from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a coach to Longyan.

    Longquan, Zhejiang

    Longquan is a county-level city in Zhejiang Province. The name literally means “Dragon Fountain.”

    There are two high-quality goods produced in Longquan: swords and porcelain.

    The swords made here are called Lognquan swords. Any Chinese martial artist would know the name. The well-known ancient master swordsmith, Qu Yezi, made a series of great Longquan swords here, including one of the most famous ancient swords, the “Sword of Goujian.” When discovered in 1965, that fabled sword was extremely sharp and well-preserved — even after more than 2,400 years buried in earth.

    With a history of 2,000 years, the Longquan porcelain (also called Longquanyao) is highly prized among collectors around the world.

    Transport: Fly to Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a long-distance coach to Longquan.

    Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi

    Longhu Mountain (also called Dragon and Tiger Mountain) is a nationally famous scenic spot. Longhu is known as a mountain of heavenly and earthly paradise.

    China’s Taoism originated in this place.

    Taoist culture has a very long history on the mountain, which features beautiful green hills, wandering streams and springs and mysterious cliff tombs that cannot be explained by modern science. The hills, streams and tombs are highlights of the natural and cultural scenery surrounding the mountain’s resort.

    Other scenic spots in the area include Shangqing Palace, Yingtian Mountain, Mazu Clifff and Fairy Water Cliff.

    Transport: Fly to Nanchang from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a coach to the resort.(Wang Yuanyuan)