CHINA is echoing to the clash of claws, clattering of teeth and the whip of scaled tails. Four Chinese regions - Puyang, Mount Shizu, Chifeng and Fuxin - are battling over which has the strongest claim to being the birthplace of the dragon, the nation's ancient symbol of success and sovereignty. The competition has seen a giant concrete dragon bested by red tape and a tiny dragon made from ancient clamshells.
In another battle, a small jade dragon pendant has been pitted against a 20-metre stone dragon. At stake is the title "birthplace of the dragon" and billions of pounds in tourist revenue to rival Mickey Mouse. As Sun Minsheng, a consultant working to re-brand the city of Puyang as the world's "dragon capital", said: "We should learn from the Americans. For us Chinese, the mouse is a most disgusting animal. Yet the Americans have taken it and created a multi-billion dollar industry."
The dragon is revered as a symbol of strength, tenacity and power. The mythical creature has long been the symbol of the Emperor of China.
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