Beginning with an exhibition featuring snakes, the Chinese zodiac animal representing the upcoming year, Shanghai Museum announced a series of 20 special exhibitions to start the new year.

The snake is closely related to the dragon, one of China's most important totems. "A snake has no feet but moves smoothly in the water and on the ground. It sheds its skin after hibernating, as if reborn," says Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum.

Such capabilities inspired awe in ancient Chinese people, who deified the creature. From oracle bones to bronze objects and ancient drawings on rocks, snakes are found everywhere in China's early civilization.