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Snakes alive! Warmer weather brings flurry of sightings in Chinese capital

Rare and early surge in encounters across Beijing is causing alarm, although experts say most snakes are non-venomous

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Dannie Pengin BeijingPublished: 6:00pm, 6 Jun 2026

Residents in some parts of Beijing are on edge as rises in humidity and temperature lure snakes into the Chinese capital, where encounters with the reptiles are usually rare.

Concerned residents have been sharing their sightings on social media.

“Why are there snakes in Beijing’s parks?” one user posted. “It scared me to death.”

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In the comments section, many others shared similar experiences, with one woman recounting her shock at finding a snake hiding behind the fridge of her 25th-floor flat.

Official media reports said the active season for snakes in Beijing had arrived early this year, leading to a surge in calls from residents seeking help both at home and outdoors.

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While the peak season typically begins in July, local media outlet The Beijing News reported on May 28 that snakes were already being repeatedly spotted across residential compounds, suburban parks and mountain trails.

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