The Snake is the sixth zodiac animal in the cycle. The Year of the Snake is said to be an auspicious year for reflection and romance.

The set of two stamps depicting graphic designs of the agile Snake would be released on 12 January 2000. Pre-cancelled First Day Covers and Presentation Packs will also be available.

Back by popular demand, the sixth series of the mini sheet of 18 stamps will be packaged with a complimentary souvenir card. The card in exactly the same size, will be printed with the past five sets of Zodiac animal stamps (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon), affixed with a pair of Zodiac Snake stamps and cancelled with the first Day of issue postmark. Chinese and English inscriptions of the "Year of the Snake" printed on the selvedges and the colour guides are in the shape of the Snake.