The noodles are believed to have been invented by a chef working for the emperor during the Ming dynasty. During lichun, the chef made some unusually long and thin noodles which delighted the emperor, and later became popular among peasants as well. Because of their association with dragons, the noodles began to be eaten during the Longtaitou (lit. "dragon raising its head") festival, which celebrates dragons and the role they play in bringing the Spring rains.[2]
