Collage: The Year of the Snake

This week marks the official beginning of the Year of the Snake, and cities across China are ringing in the Chinese New Year with lanterns, ice sculptures, and light shows.

In Shanghai, residents are flocking to the 30th edition of the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival, which features snake-themed lanterns inspired by ancient texts like the “Classic of Mountains and Seas.” Meanwhile, the southwestern city of Zigong is showcasing snake-patterned pottery made with techniques that date back thousands of years.

Here are highlights of New Year’s celebrations from across China, as selected by Sixth Tone.

(Header image: A special set of lanterns celebrating the Year of the Snake showcases scenes from the Legend of the White Snake at the 31st Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival in Zigong, Sichuan province, Jan. 26, 2025. VCG)