The inquisitive children of two archeologists exploring a recently-discovered tomb in Shanghai befriend a dragon in search of his magical missing pearl, and embark on an epic adventure to return it before the burial chamber is opened for the first time in centuries. Long ago, a Chinese emperor defeated a band of marauding barbarians by borrowing a powerful dragon's magic pearl. But once the emperor emerged victorious, the pearl was never returned to its rightful owner. Flash forward to modern day, as Australian teen Josh (Louis Corbett) and wide eyed Chinese adolescent Ling (Li Linjin) arrive in Shanghai with their archeologist parents who plan to explore a tomb alongside American adventurer Philip Dukas (Robert Mammone). Sneaking away from the site as their parents go to work, Josh and Ling ascend to a temple high in the mountains, where they meet amiable monk Wu-dong (Jordan Chan). Subsequently exploring a cavern beneath the temple, the two teens come face to face with the dragon of legend, and learn that both the pearl and the emperor can be found in the tomb their parents are poised to open. Meanwhile, as Josh and Ling take flight with their newfound friend, it's revealed that history has foretold of the day when a brave young hero will emerge to fulfill an ancient prophecy.