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China has long been famous for its dragons, but it will learn something of the history of the Welsh dragon over the next few months.

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An exhibition charting the history of Wales via some of its treasures and art is opening in Chongqing province, China. Welsh Heritage Minister Huw Lewis is launching 'Wales, Land of the Red Dragon' during a week of events further cementing links between the countries. In an interview with BBC Wales, Mr. Lewis stated 'We are trying very hard to raise Wales' profile right across our key economic partners, coinciding with St David's Day'. He will be part of the 'trade mission' to China in which key artefacts will go on display, and links between Welsh and Chinese colleges will be strengthened and the economic aspect will be central also.

Wales' formal links to the southern China province were initiated in 2006 when the two governments signed their first memorandum of understanding. The agreement signed anew in 2011 commits the governments to continue working together in areas including culture and tourism. The Welsh government's main office is in Chongqing, helping businesses and organisations develop links there.

In 2008, National Museum Wales and the China Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing agreed to collaborate on projects. In 2011, the Chinese museum sent over a hugely successful exhibition - of ancient rock carvings from Dazu - to National Museum Wales in Cardiff, attracting more than 38,000 visitors in just two months. Now, in return, National Museum Wales has shipped out artefacts which it says will give visitors in China a taste of the character of Wales, through its culture and language, history and landscape.

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