It's a scene so surreal, that it plays like a strange dream – or for some, their worst nightmare.
The air is congealed with firecracker smoke, heavy with excitement. A sweat-drenched crowd surges along the street, snakes draped on children's necks, coiled on adults' heads.
Min-Zhui's first kiss with a snake /CGTN Photo
The largest one, a python weighing around 25 kilograms, reclines on its caged throne – a sedan chair hoisted by four villagers. As it passes shops and homes, business owners and residents step forward with hope and incense clasped in their hands, which they exchange for blessings from the Snake King.
Amidst thunderous blasts of firecrackers, professional snake charmers stroke venomous cobras wrapped around their limbs. A chaotic convoy of snake gods on gaudy floats and masses of musical troupes follow, winding their way through town.
A local child holds a wild snake. /CGTN Photo
It's the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which means it's Chinese Valentine's Day, but also, in Zhanghu Town, in Fujian's Nanping City, it's Snake King Festival.
Snakes are symbols of auspiciousness, and townspeople have venerated the legless reptile for centuries. They are commemorated once a year with age-old rituals and a very passionate, pulsating procession that lasts for hours.
Shortly after sunrise, a huge crowd of people - locals and visitors alike - gather at the Snake King Temple. /CGTN Photo
At sunrise, locals gather at the Snake King Temple, which is abuzz with action. Worshipers arrive in throngs to pray. Musicians sound horns and cymbals and drums with joyous ferocity. A Taoist priest chants and makes offerings to the Snake King, protector of the people.
A Taoist priest hosts the sacrifice ceremony. /CGTN Photo
Then, the cold-blooded creatures emerge. In the month leading up to the annual carnival, villagers have been busy catching wild snakes, which are kept in a small air-conditioned sanctuary behind the temple. When they are brought out, the parade begins.
A cobra slithers through the street. /CGTN Photo
The terrific furor lasts until around midday, after which the red firecracker paper settles, and restful calm envelopes the town. The gentle, scaly animals are collected and released back into their natural habitat. The snake gods are returned to the temple and the Snake King, feeling rightfully revered, watches over Zhanghu Town for another year.
After the parade, the snakes are released back into their natural habitat. /CGTN Photo
"Valentine's with the Snake King" will be aired for the first time on CGTN this Sunday at 7:30 a.m. (Beijing Time), rebroadcast at 4:30 p.m., Monday 2 a.m. and Thursday 1:30 p.m.. Don't miss this brand new episode of Travelogue with Min-Zhui Lee!