Beijing Zoo snakes see flow of visitors ahead of Year of the Snake

They hiss and flick their forked tongues as they slither through their enclosures. Amid the chill of Beijing's winter, these cold-blooded creatures twirl comfortably in a humidity-controlled hall. Yet they are probably unaware of the approaching Chinese New Year celebrations that will prominently feature their image. Meet the snakes of Beijing Zoo, a group of pythons, boa constrictors, cobras and other snakes that reside at the facility in Beijing's Xicheng District.

Spread out across an upper floor of the zoo's Amphibian and Reptile House, the snakes are drawing renewed attention ahead of this year's Chinese New Year. In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the year 2025 is a Year of the Snake, or more specifically the wood snake year – or "Yi Si Nian." Old and young are filing into the hall to observe this mysterious, yet auspicious creature.

Although it is universally feared around the world, the snake is a symbol of wisdom and intuition, occupying the sixth spot in the Chinese zodiac cycle of 12 animals.  

Feared as they are, snakes in fact play a crucial role in global ecosystems.

Information displayed in the snake hall states that the ratio between rats and snakes is always proportional, making snakes an ally in agricultural areas where rats are unwelcome, thus reducing crop damage and disease transmission.  

According to The Snake Guide website, China has around 240 snakes, of which 69 are venomous. Interestingly, according to exhibit information, although the Beijing area occupies 0.2 percent of China, 13 species can be found there.

At Beijing Zoo, snakes from various countries, including the Americas, can be seen by visitors, many of whom have been drawn to the exhibits as the major holiday approaches.

In addition to the snakes lining the walls of the hall, a large tree towers through two floors. There, if you are lucky, you might see pythons climbing the branches – unless they are nestled in a small pond at the base of the tree.

As a whole, the zoo is a tourism gem of China's capital, tracing its origins back to 1906 when it was built by the Ministry of Commerce of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Beginning with the name Garden of Ten Thousand Animals, it opened to the public in 1908.  

It is noted for being the first zoo that opened to the public in China.

According to Beijing Tourism, it covers an area of 80.05 hectares and houses around 500 species of rare wild animals.  

For a small entrance fee, visitors can see thousands of animals. In the Amphibian and Reptile House alone, you can also observe sea turtles and crocodiles. Elsewhere in the zoo, you can see elephants, kangaroos, monkeys and of course, China's world-famous giant pandas. A short walk over a few foot bridges leads you to the Beijing Aquarium.

As images of snakes unfurl in Chinese New Year decorations around the world, the holiday is a good time to reassess the value of these reptiles to humans. Through their role as predators in ecosystems, snakes play an important role in maintaining balance and preserving nature. Through its reptile house, Beijing Zoo provides a useful insight into the natural wonder of snakes.