The origins of the dragon in Chinese culture may be unclear, but the mythical beast is firmly rooted in tradition. Indeed, there are Chinese people who refer to themselves as being "descended from dragons". But very different interpretations of the dragon exist in East and West - and these can lead to confusion.
And as BON's Niva Whyman reports, some scholars believe we are dealing with two entirely different entities.

With less than a month to go before the Year of the Tiger begins, tiger toys and trinkets are a ubiquitous sight the length and breadth of the country.

However, in reality, the situation is far more concerning. As the World Wildlife Fund for Nature puts the Tiger on the top of it's endangered species list, Halla Mohieddeen reports now on a species believed to be indigenous in China, but which is now alarmingly close to extinction, despite well-intentioned initiatives.

Ancius introduces the Chinese zodiac animals the Dragon and the Snake, and their respective Chinese characters.

Ancius introduces the Chinese zodiac animals the Tiger and the Rabbit, and their respective Chinese characters.

According to the Chinese calendar, this is the year of the Tiger. But unfortunately for the oversized felines, it may not be a year to celebrate. China's tiger population has continued to dwindle as poaching and destruction of their natural habitat occur at an alarming rate. BON's Kelda Yuen has the story on what the Chinese government and American wildlife conservationists are doing to help save one of China's most revered animals.