The Chinese Lunar New Year falls on February 12 this year: the Year of the Rat comes to an end and the Year of the Ox begins.

China, an ancient civilization that is nourished by its agriculture and fertile lands, has a long history with the ox. It's been an important animal, helping farmers cultivate their farmland for generations.

In traditional Chinese culture, the ox is seen as an enduring, hard-working and loyal animal. And the modern financial world also gives its a new symbolism.

Here are five iconic spots  in China related to the ox that are worthy of a visit during the upcoming Spring Festival holidays.

Bronze Ox at the Summer Palace, Beijing

A life-size bronze ox that overlooks the east shore of Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace in Beijing is a must-visit. The ox was cast in the image of a live creature in 1755. On its back is an inscription explaining its significance: the ox was placed on the bank of the lake in the hope of preventing flooding.

Bund Bull at the Bund, Shanghai

A more recent and modern installation is located in the center of Shanghai. Unveiled in 2010, the 2,300-kilogram artwork is said to be the same height, length and weight as the New York City Charging Bull.

Iron Ox at Zhen'an Temple, Hubei Province

Situated next to China's longest river – the Yangtze – the iron ox is said to have been cast in 1788 to prevent flooding in nearby regions.

Sculpture of Taishanglaojun Riding the Holy Ox, Shanxi Province

Another famous ox sculpture near a famous Chinese river, this stone artwork consists of Taishanglaojun, a traditional Daoist deity, riding on a holy ox. The sculpture is near a famous turn of the Yellow River in Shanxi Province.

Iron Sheng Ox at Guangji Bridge, Guangdong Province

The rustic ox at the Guangji Bridge, one of China's four-most famous ancient bridges, was installed in the hope of taming floods in Chaozhou, south China's Guangdong Province. There used to be a pair of oxen – until one of them went missing in a flood. 

With inputs from ChinaTravelGuide