Unraveling the myths and charms of snakes

Celebrity snakes

Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong (1893 –1976), commonly referred to as Chairman Mao, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. From its establishment in 1949, he governed the country as Chairman of the Communist Party of China until 1976, taking his place in modern world history.

Lu Xun

Lu Xun, the pen name of Zhou Shuren (1881–1936), one of the major Chinese writers of the 20th century, is considered by many to be the leading figure of modern Chinese literature. Lu Xun was a fiction writer, editor, translator, critic, essayist and poet.

Soong Ching-ling

Soong Ching-ling (1893-1981), also known as Madame Sun Yat-sen, was the vice-chairman of the People's Republic of China. She again became head of state in 1981, briefly before her death, as the Honorary President of the People's Republic of China.

Lu Xun, the pen name of Zhou Shuren (1881–1936), one of the major Chinese writers of the 20th century, is considered by many to be the leading figure of modern Chinese literature. Lu Xun was a fiction writer, editor, translator, critic, essayist and poet.

Kangxi Emperor

Kangxi Emperor (1654 – 1722) was the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and ruled over the country from 1661 to 1722. Kangxi's reign of 61 years makes him the longest-reigning Chinese emperor in history. Kangxi is considered one of China's greatest emperors.

Emperor Gao

Emperor Gao (256 BC–195 BC), personal name Liu Bang, was the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, ruling over China from 202 BC to 195 BC. Liu Bang was one of the few dynasty founders in Chinese history who emerged from the peasant class (another major example being Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty).

Hua Tuo

Hua Tuo (around 145-208), famous ancient Chinese physician and surgeon, is best known for his surgical operations and the use of mafeisan, an herbal anesthetic formulation made from hemp.