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| Picture by Kolohe |
The Bellagio Conservatory 2025 Lunar New Year exhibit features the Year of the Snake, which is the sixth animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle. Those born in the Year of the Snake are said to be intelligent, charming, and wise.
Visitors entering the conservatory are greeted by two pandas holding "Chinese Hongbaos" that are used for gifts of money to friends and relatives. (The envelopes are typically red in color. There was no explanation why one of the envelopes was gold in color.) On both sides of the pandas are 24-feet tall I-Chang trees that each contain 88 gold I-Ching coins. The number eight is considered lucky in several Asian cultures and is believed to bring good fortune.
Located by one of the pandas is a gold "Yuanbao" that is symbolic of prosperity and wealth. (A "Yuanbao" is a small boat-shaped ingot that was used as money in ancient China.)
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
At both ends of the north bed are gold dragons that have one foot on a symbolic pearl. The pearl is said to hold the secrets of the universe.
Located in the center of the exhibit is a 28-foot-tall serpent representing the Year of the Snake. The snake is revered for its wisdom and transformative qualities. Above the snake are red silk ornaments and strings of gold coins representing wealth, prosperity and hope for abundance in the coming year.
In a pond below the snake are Koi fish that are associated with strength, resilience and prosperity. Koi fish are often used in exhibits because they symbolize the balance and harmony found in nature.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The west exhibit was inspired by the ancient Chinese story Knick-Knack Peddlers. In the exhibit, the two knick-knack peddlers that are trying to entice children to buy decorative crafts, toys, and other trinkets.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
Pandas signify friendship and peace and a balanced and tranquil new year. Their black and white coloring represents yin and yang.
A 48-foot wooden bridge spans a small pond with a waterfall that symbolize connections, harmony and a pathway to prosperity. One of the knick-knack peddlers sells his goods from the center of the bridge.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
There are numerous pandas in the conservatory and one of the giant panda in the west exhibit is playing a game of Mahjong with one of the children.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
Ding pots filled with incense represent a ritualistic offering to the heavens as a sign of gratitude and hope for a fruitful new year.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The 24-foot scale model of the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees in Guangzhou, China, is a place where parents bring their children for blessings and to connect them to their spiritual heritage.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
I think the character in the picture means good fortune.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The south bed exhibit contains a blue-and-white porcelain pagoda that can be rented for a dining experience. The Garden Table at Bellagio features authentic dishes from Noodles Pan-Asian Restaurant.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
Larger-than-life porcelain sculptures feature the Chinese art form of Qinghua. Qinghua means "blue flower" and refers to intricate blue designs painted on a white background. The art form originated over a thousand years ago and is recognized for its fine beauty and craftsmanship.
Cherry blossom trees are found throughout the south exhibit and are associated with good luck and renewal. Also, metal ornate cherry blossoms are included throughout the exhibit and suspended from the ceiling. The Chinese art technique used for decorating metal objects dates back to the 13th century.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The hotel check-in area is also decorated to commemorate the Lunar New Year.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
Bonus Picture
Granddaughter Ashley recently received the game ball and a framed poster for setting a G-Web University women's basketball record by scoring 47 points in one game. So far, this is the NCAA women's seasonal record for Division 1. Congratulations Ashley!
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| Photographer Unknown |
