As the Year of the Snake begins, we dive into the rich symbolism and ancient stories that define this legendary creature. In China, the serpent represents a harmonious balance of opposites — wisdom and strength, agility and power, renewal, and transformation.
From romance to spiritual enlightenment, the lore surrounding the snake continues to captivate and inspire. Here, we explore some of the most cherished serpent legends, alongside destinations where travelers can connect with these timeless tales.
The legend of the white snake
One of the most beloved serpent stories in Chinese culture is Bai She Chuan Shuo (the legend of the white snake), where the snake spirit, Bai Suzhen, longs to experience human life. Transformed into a beautiful woman, she meets Xu Xian, a talented scholar, and they fall deeply in love. However, their happiness is short-lived as the monk Fahai disapproves of their union and devises a devious plan to tear them apart. Through trickery and powerful magic, Bai Suzhen is imprisoned under a pagoda by Fahai. It is only decades later that their son, born of their love, returns to free her.
This story is set against the enchanting backdrop of Hangzhou‘s West Lake, where travelers can immerse themselves in the romance that surrounds it. Leifeng Pagoda, where Bai Suzhen was said to be imprisoned, remains a significant site for those seeking to connect with this tale of love and transformation. Here, visitors can reflect on the themes of the myth: the complexity of love and the power of sacrifice, amid the lake’s scenic beauty.
The snake-like deities: Fuxi and Nüwa
In ancient Chinese folklore, Fuxi and Nüwa are revered as the creators of humanity and civilization. Fuxi, regarded as the first mythical emperor, is said to have invented hunting, fishing, and cooking. Nüwa, the mother goddess, is believed to have shaped humans from clay, breathing life into them herself. In their depictions, both are often shown with serpent-like bodies and human faces, their intertwined forms illustrating the profound interconnectedness of creation and the spiritual journey.
These divine creators are immortalized in the Wuliang Temple in Shandong, where their serpentine forms are vividly captured in murals and sculptures, offering travelers a direct link to their long legacy.
The serpent guardian
In the ancient Shu civilization of southwestern China, serpents played a key role in religious ceremonies. A striking example is a bronze serpent uncovered in 1986 from a sacrificial pit at the Sanxingdui site in Guanghan, Sichuan province. These pits, used for ritual offerings, contained various items placed to honor deities or spirits. Captured in a poised, ready-to-strike position, the serpent is believed to have served as a protector and guardian, connecting the people to higher powers and shielding them from malevolent forces in the afterlife.
Visitors to the Sanxingdui Museum can view this bronze serpent and other remarkable relics, gaining a richer understanding of the serpent’s central role in the Shu civilization’s intricate spiritual and cultural practices.
The snake and Taoist immortality
In Taoist mythology, snakes transcend the boundaries of the physical world, signifying the spiritual journey toward enlightenment. One of the most significant Taoist immortals, Zhongli Quan, is often depicted with a snake coiled around his body, conveying his connection to nature and the eternal cycle of life. Similarly, Xuanwu Great Emperor, one of the Four Symbols of Chinese Constellations, is frequently shown as a tortoise entwined with a snake. As tortoises and snakes are known to hibernate during the winter, Xuanwu represents the North and the season of winter.
For those seeking to experience the Taoist reverence for the snake, Wudang Mountain in Hubei province, one of Taoism’s holiest sites, offers a profound connection to the themes of immortality and spiritual transformation. Visitors can explore the Golden Summit Temple, where representations of Zhongli Quan with the snake highlight his mastery over both the physical and spiritual realms. Statues of Xuanwu, displaying his role as a guardian of Taoist teachings, can be found at the Nanyan Temple on Wudang Mountain or at Mount Taishan, another important Taoist site.
The snake and the Chinese zodiac
According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals of the zodiac were chosen during an extraordinary race across a river. In this race, the snake, often underestimated for its quiet and subtle movements, used its cunning to hitch a ride on the back of a horse. This clever maneuver not only allowed the snake to navigate treacherous waters but also secured its position as the sixth animal in the zodiac, following the mighty dragon and preceding the noble horse.
Much like the snake in the zodiac story, people born in the Year of the Snake are believed to possess qualities of great wisdom, a sharp intuition, natural charm, and a deep understanding of the world around them. For those looking to explore the significance of the zodiac further, the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square holds an extensive collection of cultural artifacts which provide a deeper insight into the origins and meaning behind the twelve zodiac animals.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the stories of the serpent, destinations across China can bring these legends to life. Reach out to our travel designers to explore these ancient tales in the places where they originated.
From all of us at WildChina, we wish you all a transformative and joyous Year of the Serpent.
By Gabrielle Keepfer
