That legendary magistrate, who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1127), has long symbolized justice, integrity and selfless service of the people.

CNN: THE MAN WITH THE IRON FACE

Kunqu Opera is one of the oldest forms of opera still existing in China, with its origins dating back to the Song dynasty (10 to 13th centuries).

UNESCO: Culture

With a landscape covered in a sea of dense hills, the local population was never able to survive off farming alone, and by the Song dynasty (960 to 1276), most residents had turned to commerce.

BBC: Rural adventures in China��s backcountry