Carlos Barria / Reuters

Men light fireworks as residents celebrate the start of the New Year in Shanghai, Feb. 9. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on Feb. 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac.

Related story: Chinese give Year of the Snake a raucous, colorful welcome

Slideshow: Chinese New Year: The year of the snake

Chaiwat Subprasom / Reuters

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac.

Launch slideshow