People pass by snake figures for the Chinese New Year in Shanghai. Streets and squares in Chinese neighborhoods are filled with the tense anticipation of the upcoming Chinese New Year "Year of the Snake," which begins tomorrow. China celebrates the Chinese New Year, known as the spring festival or lunar new year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, along with many other Asian countries. These traditions date back more than 4000 years.
Quote: "We are happy to welcome the Chinese New Year, and the snake symbolizes wisdom and good fortune," noted one of the residents of Shanghai.