Visitor numbers increase at Beijing Zoo's snake exhibit as the Year of the Snake approaches
As the Year of the Snake draws near, the snakes at Beijing Zoo have attracted a surge of visitors.
TroibNews 
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 collection of pythons, boa constrictors, cobras, and other snakes residing in the facility in Beijing's Xicheng District.
Spread across an upper floor of the zoo's Amphibian and Reptile House, the snakes are garnering renewed attention ahead of this year's Chinese New Year. The Chinese zodiac calendar designates 2025 as a Year of the Snake, specifically the wood snake year, or "Yi Si Nian." Visitors of all ages are entering the hall to catch a glimpse of this mysterious yet auspicious creature.
Despite being universally feared, snakes symbolize wisdom and intuition, ranking sixth in the Chinese zodiac's cycle of 12 animals.
While they evoke trepidation, snakes play a vital role in global ecosystems.
Information displayed in the snake hall mentions that the ratio between rats and snakes remains proportional, making snakes valuable allies in agricultural settings where rats pose a problem, thus helping to mitigate crop damage and disease transmission.
According to The Snake Guide website, China is home to around 240 snake species, with 69 being venomous. Notably, though the Beijing area constitutes just 0.2 percent of China, it hosts 13 of these species.
Visitors to Beijing Zoo can find snakes from various countries, including those from the Americas, drawing attention as the major holiday approaches.
In addition to the snakes adorning the hall's walls, a large tree ascends through two floors, where, if fortunate, one might spot pythons climbing among the branches—unless they've chosen to nestle in a small pond at the tree's base.
As a cultural and tourism treasure of China's capital, the zoo traces its roots back to 1906, established by the Ministry of Commerce of the Qing Dynasty. Initially called the Garden of Ten Thousand Animals, it opened to the public in 1908.
Recognized as the first public zoo in China, it spans 80.05 hectares and houses around 500 species of rare wildlife, according to Beijing Tourism.
For a nominal entrance fee, visitors can observe thousands of animals. In the Amphibian and Reptile House, one can also find sea turtles and crocodiles. Elsewhere in the zoo, elephants, kangaroos, monkeys, and China’s iconic giant pandas await. A short stroll over a few footbridges leads to the Beijing Aquarium.
As snake imagery appears in Chinese New Year decorations globally, the holiday offers an excellent opportunity to reflect on the significance of these reptiles to humans. By serving as predators within ecosystems, snakes play a crucial role in maintaining balance and preserving nature. Through its reptile house, Beijing Zoo provides valuable insight into the fascinating world of snakes.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
Spread across an upper floor of the zoo's Amphibian and Reptile House, the snakes are garnering renewed attention ahead of this year's Chinese New Year. The Chinese zodiac calendar designates 2025 as a Year of the Snake, specifically the wood snake year, or "Yi Si Nian." Visitors of all ages are entering the hall to catch a glimpse of this mysterious yet auspicious creature.
Despite being universally feared, snakes symbolize wisdom and intuition, ranking sixth in the Chinese zodiac's cycle of 12 animals.
While they evoke trepidation, snakes play a vital role in global ecosystems.
Information displayed in the snake hall mentions that the ratio between rats and snakes remains proportional, making snakes valuable allies in agricultural settings where rats pose a problem, thus helping to mitigate crop damage and disease transmission.
According to The Snake Guide website, China is home to around 240 snake species, with 69 being venomous. Notably, though the Beijing area constitutes just 0.2 percent of China, it hosts 13 of these species.
Visitors to Beijing Zoo can find snakes from various countries, including those from the Americas, drawing attention as the major holiday approaches.
In addition to the snakes adorning the hall's walls, a large tree ascends through two floors, where, if fortunate, one might spot pythons climbing among the branches—unless they've chosen to nestle in a small pond at the tree's base.
As a cultural and tourism treasure of China's capital, the zoo traces its roots back to 1906, established by the Ministry of Commerce of the Qing Dynasty. Initially called the Garden of Ten Thousand Animals, it opened to the public in 1908.
Recognized as the first public zoo in China, it spans 80.05 hectares and houses around 500 species of rare wildlife, according to Beijing Tourism.
For a nominal entrance fee, visitors can observe thousands of animals. In the Amphibian and Reptile House, one can also find sea turtles and crocodiles. Elsewhere in the zoo, elephants, kangaroos, monkeys, and China’s iconic giant pandas await. A short stroll over a few footbridges leads to the Beijing Aquarium.
As snake imagery appears in Chinese New Year decorations globally, the holiday offers an excellent opportunity to reflect on the significance of these reptiles to humans. By serving as predators within ecosystems, snakes play a crucial role in maintaining balance and preserving nature. Through its reptile house, Beijing Zoo provides valuable insight into the fascinating world of snakes.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
