In August to September last year, China sent its one and only icebreaker Xue Long (Snow Dragon) on a successful two-way test run of the NSR.

CNN: China eyes Arctic options in energy, transport

Upon reaching the top, you emerge from the trees onto a small rocky clearing looking directly onto a long dragons-back-like range of grey snow-capped peaks: the imposing 5, 600m-high Jade Dragon.

BBC: Trekking in China, where dragons stand guard