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Erika Na

From snake-themed events to whether your luck is in: discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year in our Year of the Snake 2025 series.
A whole snake submerged in a bottle of liquor is, for many, not the most appealing or appetising sight.
In certain parts of Asia, however, this promises something that everyone could do with having more of: better health.
This unusual drink, known as snake wine, has been consumed for centuries, and many believe it offers a range of medicinal benefits.

Snake wine is thought to have originated from traditional Chinese medicine, where animal-based remedies have long been believed to treat ailments and improve health.
Snakes as a medicinal material make their first appearance in the Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica, written in China during the Han dynasty (202BC-220AD).


During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the medicinal value of snakes was detailed in a book called the Compendium of Materia Medica, written by pharmacologist Li Shizhen.
According to these ancient texts, snake venom was thought to invigorate the body, improve circulation and even combat ailments such as joint pain and skin conditions.
People in several other countries in East Asia, including Korea, Japan and Vietnam, also drink snake wine.

There are around 3,000 species of snakes worldwide but, in all countries that consume snake wine, it is the snakes with the most powerful venom that are thought to produce the best quality wine.
In Japan – particularly on the southern island of Okinawa – snake wine takes the form of habushu, named after the habu snake, a species native to the Ryukyu Islands. In Okinawa, habushu is made by submerging a habu snake in awamori, a strong distilled spirit unique to the region.
The process of making snake wine involves several meticulous steps. Once a venomous snake is captured, it is carefully handled and cleaned. The snake’s internal organs are removed to prevent contamination of the alcohol.
Afterwards, the snake is placed in a clean bottle or jar, and high-proof liquor – such as baijiu, rice wine or another strong spirit – is poured in. The alcohol should completely cover the snake.
Once the snake is sealed in the bottle, the container is left to ferment for months or even years. Over time, the snake’s venom dissolves into the alcohol.
There are many variations of snake wine. Some are made with multiple snakes, while others may include other animals or ingredients, depending on the specific health benefits sought.

While snake wine is considered beneficial by many to this day, it is not without its risks. There have been reports of bizarre accidents involving snake wine.
In May 2021, a man in China who wanted to use snake wine to cure his sick son was reported to have put three live venomous snakes into a bottle of snake wine. A year later, when he opened the bottle, the snakes launched a surprise attack, nearly costing him his life.
According to experts, if a bottle is not sealed tightly or if it is not completely filled with alcohol, the snake can survive for years on minimal air.
There are health concerns surrounding snake wine’s consumption. If not produced carefully, it can be contaminated by parasites or harmful bacteria, and the venom in the snake can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
There are ethical concerns too – in some countries, snake wines have been made illegal.
In South Korea today, the production, sale and consumption of snake wine is illegal. In China, although snake wines are not banned, it is illegal to hunt, kill or trade in protected snake species.


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Chinese culture

Snake wine’s origins, reputed health benefits, use in TCM and how it can bite back

Many believe that snake wine (pictured) offers medicinal benefits, including improving blood circulation – but drinking it is not without its risks. Photo: Shutterstock

The process of making snake wine involves several meticulous steps. Photo: Shutterstock

Snake wine is thought to have originated from traditional Chinese medicine. Photo: Shutterstock

Snake wine at Zisiqiao village, in China, in 2018. There are many variations of snake wine. Photo: Simon Song

Why Chinese Gen Z are getting TCM winter body checks

Qiu Jingchuan, deputy chief practitioner at Lei Yun Shang, takes a patient’s blood pressure at the company’s TCM clinic in Shanghai, China. Photo: Lisa Cam

Lei Yun Shang’s TCM clinic in Shanghai. Photo: Lei Yun Shang

Hong Kong-based TCM practitioner Samuel To at his clinic in Central. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

San fu tian moxibustion patches on a patient. Photo: Samuel To

Inside Lei Yun Shang’s TCM clinic in Shanghai. Photo: Lei Yun Shang

What is Pei Pa Koa and why is Ariana Grande adding it to her ‘vocal box’?

Ariana Grande arrives at the fourth annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa is a sticky black cough syrup that has been produced by Hong Kong-based company Nin Jiom Medicine Manufactory since 1946. Photo: Nin Jiom Medicine Manufactory

Ariana Grande with a bottle of Pei Pa Koa. Photo: YouTube

A bottle of Pei Pa Koa. Photo: Antony Dickson

Henry Li uses Pei Pa Koa to make his Herbal Harmony cocktail. Photo: Mongkok Tea House

A bartender at Jade & Clover uses Pei Pa Koa to create the Antidote cocktail. Photo: Glowing Studios

Hong Kong-based singer-songwriter Jodie Chan. Photo: Stephanie Teng/Joya

Why traditional Chinese medicine is so special, and how it’s getting a push in Hong Kong

Chinese herbal medicine is dispensed at a pharmacy in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Chinese herbal medicine is dispensed at a pharmacy in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, where traditional Chinese medicine is being promoted. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Hong Kong’s acting secretary for health Dr Libby Lee (centre), Chinese Medicine Development commissioner Dr Vincent Chung (right), and Chinese Medicine Practice Subcommittee chairman Chan Wing-kwong at the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Culture Festival. Photo: www.info.gov.hk

An artist’s impression of the finished Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Hospital, which is set to open in stages from 2025. It will provide predominantly TCM services, with Western medicine doctors playing a supporting role. Photo: HKBU

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the belief that qi, the body’s vital energy, flows along meridians, or channels, in the body and keeps a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance. Photo: Shutterstock

Dr Mok Tik-lun, a lecturer at the School of Chinese Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Photo: CUHK

Acupuncture is one of the “four pillars” of traditional Chinese medicine, along with herbal medicine and dietary therapy, tui na massage, and exercise and movement therapy.

Cupping, in which heated glass jars create suction to promote circulation and the flow of qi. Photo: Getty Images

Why the Year of the Wood Snake starting in 2025 could bring major change, and more luck

A snake at a farm in Bangkok, Thailand. The next lunar new year will be a Year of the Wood Snake, which comes around every 60 years. The previous one, in 1965, saw dynamic change and upheaval. Are we in for more of the same? Photo: Getty Images

Snakes made of palm leaves are displayed in Shanghai to celebrate the previous Year of the Snake in 2013. Photo: Getty Images

Following the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, people line up to vote, most for the first time, in Alabama in the US in 1966. Photo: Getty Images

Angry depositors protest and clash with police outside the office of the chairman of the Canton Trust and Commercial Bank in 1965, the previous Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Photo: Chan Kiu

Lifestyle

Food & Drink

Year of the Snake 2025: predictions, facts, myths and feng shui

Year of the Snake fifth month predictions for 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Is your luck in?

How’s your luck in June? Feng shui master Andrew Kwan gives his predictions for all 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs. Photo: Shutterstock

Is Year of the Snake’s month 3 lucky for you? Predictions for all 12 zodiac signs

The third lunar month of the Year of the Snake begins on March 29, 2025. What does the month have in store for you? Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Rats should prioritise stress relief this month. Photo: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Oxen may experience unexpected changes in their careers. Photo: Shutterstock

Tigers should stay resilient at work and invest cautiously. Photo: Shutterstock

Rabbits should adjust their mindset and persevere at work. Photo: Xinhua

Dragons should stick to routines and avoid late nights to maintain regular sleep cycles. Photo: AP

Snakes should beware of accidents and stay alert to avoid injuries. Photo: Austin Zhang

Horses should maintain a balanced routine to ensure adequate rest and regulate sleep to counter social exhaustion. Photo: Shutterstock

Single Sheep may attract mature partners. Photo: Shutterstock

Monkeys face mounting work pressure this month. Photo: Shutterstock

Roosters should maximise professional growth, stabilise finances and deepen bonds this month. Photo: Shutterstock

Dogs should capitalise on professional breakthroughs. Photo: Shutterstock

This is a good month for Pigs to engage in preventive care. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for 12 zodiac signs. How is your health, luck, wealth?

Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha predicts the varying fortunes of people born under the 12 Chinese zodiac signs in the coming Year of the Snake. Illustrations: Victor Sanjinez

Feng shui tips for Ox birth sign in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck, love

The Year of the Snake will be busy for Oxen, who can use feng shui to ward off bad luck. A master of the ancient practice shares where to put what. Photo: Shutterstock

Some of those born in the Year of the Ox will find romance easily in the Year of the Snake, but should be careful. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Feng shui tips for Dragons in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Dragons will experience a complete turnaround of fortunes in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui master shares how to maximise luck in health, wealth and love. Photo: Shutterstock

Dragons may suffer from insomnia and mild health problems this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Dragons can place white crystals such as quartz in the western part of their living space to enhance their good luck this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Rabbits in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Rabbits should be careful when it comes to investments this year. A feng shui master shares where to place crystals, orchids and more for luck in wealth, health and love. Photo: Shutterstock

According to feng shui principles, Rabbits should place a fishbowl, or decorative items with flowing water, in the southeast of their living space for financial luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Rabbits can place purple crystals such as amethyst in the northwest of their living space to enhance luck this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Tigers in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Tigers may face betrayal and poor health in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui expert shares what to place where to prevent misfortune. Photo: Shutterstock

Those born in the Year of the Tiger should take particular care while driving this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says Tigers should beware of back-stabbers in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Year of the Snake predictions for Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin

U.S President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the entrance of the White House in Washington, U.S., February 4, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

President Xi Jinping raises a glass during a welcome dinner hosted by the Macau government in Macau on December 19, 2024. In the Year of the Snake, Xi’s Chinese astrological chart is characterised by a strong fire element accompanied by earth, metal and water, representing a typical combination of strength and prosperity. Photo: EPA-EFE

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan. Photo: Jelly Tse

US President Donald Trump is likely to encounter fewer challenges in his administrative duties over the next three years. Photo: Reuters

The next three years are predicted to be fraught with challenges for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters

Feng Shui master Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Feng shui tips for Rats in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Rats will enjoy a good financial Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

The Year of the Snake will be a good financial year for Rats, but there may be downsides. A feng shui expert explains where to place items to ward off bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

It will be a good financial year for Rats, but this might come with more pressure in the workplace. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says Rats need to be careful of gossip and betrayal in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Andrew Kwan

What are Chinese knots? A history of the good luck symbol popular at Lunar New Year

Chinese knots have a long history, and are especially popular at Lunar New Year because they are believed to bring good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Most of the Chinese knots you will see are made with a single length of satin cord. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong-based designer Zoe Siu has based her artistic practice around knots for over 10 years. Photo: Pacific Place

The double coin knot resembles two interlocking coins, and symbolises wealth and prosperity. Photo: Pacific Place

Siu’s Lunar New Year installation at Pacific Place features a variety of intricate knots. Photo: Pacific Place

Feng shui tips for Dogs in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck and love

The Year of the Snake will bring luck for Dogs, who had a hard time last year. A feng shui expert shares where to place auspicious objects in your living space. Photo: Shutterstock


Placing purple crystals such as amethyst in the eastern part of their living space can bring luck to Dogs this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Roosters in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck and love

A Year of the Rooster zodiac figure. Photo: Shutterstock

Love is in the south for Roosters in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui master shares how to place items accordingly to improve your luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Decorating the southern part of your living space with red roses can bring luck in love for Roosters this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says this year presents excellent chances for Roosters to advance their careers. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Feng shui tips for Monkeys in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Money will come and go for Monkeys in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui expert gives tips on where to put lucky objects for a healthy body, love life and bank account. Photo: Shutterstock

Gold ingot decorations are common at Lunar New Year and are believed to bring good luck if placed in the right location. Photo: Shutterstock

How sticky rice cakes became a Lunar New Year lucky dish and different ways they are eaten

Cantonese-style sticky rice cake, or “nin gou”, is usually made with glutinous rice flour, Chinese brown sugar and coconut milk. Photo: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Nian gao – Chinese sticky rice cakes – are made to appease the Kitchen God, or zao jun, who reports the activities of every household over the past year to Yu Huang, the Jade Emperor. Photo: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Nian gao, called nin gou in Cantonese (above), are sticky rice cakes eaten at Lunar New Year. Photo: Shutterstock

Lam Yuk-ming is the Chinese cuisine executive chef at Spring Moon, The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Cantonese restaurant. Photo: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Tteokguk is a Korean Lunar New Year dish or thinly sliced rice cakes cooked in clear soybean soup. Photo: Shutterstock

Kagami mochi is eaten during Japanese New Year celebrations. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Sheep in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, health and wealth

For Sheep in the Year of the Snake, the wealth position is north and northwest. A feng shui master explains how to act on this for good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

People have been adhering to feng shui principles for centuries to improve their luck in health, love and wealth. Photo: Shutterstock 

The wealth position is in the north this year for Sheep, which means placing a fish bowl or tank in the north of their living space can bring good luck. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui tips for Horses in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Horses can improve their luck using feng shui in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

For Horses in the Year of the Snake, the position of love is east while health is south. A feng shui master shares how to act on this for good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui has been used for centuries to improve the flow of energy, or qi, for good fortune and to ward off bad energy. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares how to promote good fortune through the thoughtful placement of lucky elements in your living space. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Hong Kong cheongsam maker gives the Chinese dress a modern makeover with her funky brand

Cheongsam maker Chocolate Tsang poses in one of her creations at her studio, Stand Tall D, in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

Tsang works in her studio. Photo: Edmond So

Women wear cheongsam in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, in the 1960s. Photo: Information Services Department

Tsang takes 20 body measurements to make her cheongsam. Photo: Edmond So

 Tsang with cheongsam master tailor Yan Ka-man. Photo: Chocolate Tsang

Maggie Cheung wore 20 different cheongsam in the film In The Mood for Love (2000). Photo: Block 2 Pictures

Tsang’s favourite cheongsam is this navy lace piece that she handcrafted under the guidance of Yan. Photo: Chocolate Tsang

Tsang founded her made-to-measure brand in 2018. Photo: Edmond So

How ‘snake’ entered the English language and what Singaporeans mean by ‘eat snake’

The root words of the English snake and serpent mean “a creeping thing”, and most sayings that incorporate snake have a negative meaning, including the Singapore English “eat snake”. Photo: Shutterstock

The Slytherin logo is seen on cups in the store of a touring Harry exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Getty Images

A 16th century Flemish engraving depicts men setting fire to undergrowth in which snakes are trapped. Photo: Getty Images

A banded krait, a snake native to Hong Kong. The name krait is borrowed from Hindi. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips in the Year of the Snake for Snakes, for health, wealth, luck and love

For Snakes in the Year of the Snake, the wealth position is west, the love position is south, and the position for health and general luck enhancement is southwest, according to feng shui. Photo: Shutterstock

Snake wine’s origins, reputed health benefits, use in TCM and how it can bite back

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Many believe that snake wine offers medicinal benefits, including improving blood circulation – but drinking it is not without its risks

Many believe that snake wine offers medicinal benefits, including improving blood circulation – but drinking it is not without its risks