Fireworks mark start of Year of the Snake

Residents watch after setting up fireworks as part of Chinese new year celebrations, in central Beijing early Feb 10, 2013. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, begins on Feb 10 this year and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. [Photo/Agencies]

Fireworks paint the skyline at the Chinese Lunar New Year Eve over Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, on Feb 9, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]