The Year of the Dragon is swooping into 2012 with the zodiac creature as the subject matter of an art exhibition from Jan 18-March 20.

The show is divided into three parts, that respectively detail the history of the dragon, stories about the dragon and modern conceptions of the mythological creature.

More than 100 historical items from the Warring States Period (770-256 BC), the Jin Dynasty (AD 1128-1143), the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) will be displayed. The connection between dragons and Chinese culture will be introduced through the artworks.

The show will trace changing historical conceptions of the dragon through works from various media and generations. Contemporary Chinese art works will infuse dragon imagery into the design of clothes, accessories and furniture. And traditional dragon dances will be performed at the museum during the show.

9 am-5 pm. The Capital Museum's underground Hall A. No 16, Fuxingmenwai Dajie, Xicheng district. 010-6337-0491 and 6337-0492.