As we approach the eagerly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, GTA Online continues to delight its ardent players with exciting updates. In celebration of the Chinese New Year, a fresh Year of the Snake event is set to roll out, bringing new discounts, bonuses, races, and exciting collectibles for players to discover in GTA Online. While the event runs only until January 29th, there’s ample time to enjoy its free rewards.
The buzz surrounding GTA 6 has led to many wild rumors about its release date. With a confirmed release window set for 2025, GTA Online serves as a perfect distraction as we wait for this significant launch. Even though the Year of the Snake Week is among the smaller events in GTA Online, players can still earn unique cosmetics throughout its various activities. If you’re after some quick cash or an entertaining treasure hunt, hunting Yuanbao offers a fun diversion during missions or while cruising through San Andreas.
Every Yuanbao Location
Narrowing Down the Search for Hidden Treasures
Players can find three variants of Yuanbao scattered throughout the GTA V map: a solid gold Yuanbao, a red-trimmed variant with a smaller piece on top, and a bowl-style Yuanbao brimming with gold coins. After collecting your first Yuanbao, a notification will appear, indicating there are 35 more to find, which you can track in the collectibles section of the interaction menu.
Curious about what a Yuanbao actually is? They are inspired by historical Chinese currency that symbolizes prosperity. Nowadays, paper replicas are often used during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Most Yuanbao locations aren’t too hard to find if you know where to search. Using the right vehicle can really simplify things. A lightweight helicopter can help avoid traffic and bypass obstacles, although it may be challenging to land in tight spots. For most players, a speedy bike is a great choice. However, if you’re in the market for one, the Oppressor MKII is definitely the best vehicle to facilitate collecting all the Yuanbao quickly.
The Yuanbao are scattered across the map, but you can easily travel between locations if you follow a designated route, starting from Paleto Bay in the north and working your way down to the southernmost Los Santos Airport. It’s worth mentioning that each Yuanbao emits a distinct sound that gets more prominent as you approach, along with a controller shake, which is a huge help in pinpointing their locations compared to other collectibles.
Number | Area | Location |
1 | Paleto Bay | On top of a picnic table in front of the southernmost house at Paleto Bay Market |
2 | Paleto Bay | On the bumper of the construction truck above the arm wrestling minigame |
3 | Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness | At the base of the radio tower leading to the Altruist camp |
4 | Alamo Sea | At the end of the northeastern pier above the Alamo Sea |
5 | Grapeseed | On the right side of the southeasternmost building |
6 | Mount Gordo | Behind the railroad bridge on top of a concrete pillar near the Braddock Tunnel |
7 | Sandy Shores | On the roof of the Chinese restaurant, next to the barbershop |
8 | Harmony | In the backroom of the convenience store |
9 | Lago Zancudo | On top of the red gate entrance to the right of the military base |
10 | North Cumash Beach | On a barrel to the left of the side road leading away from the beach |
11 | Pacific Bluffs | On a plant near the fountain on the second floor of the Kortz Center |
12 | Tongva Valley | On the right side of the tennis court at Parsons Rehabilitation Center |
13 | Vinewood Hills | Behind a house on the table next to a radio on North Sheldon Avenue |
14 | Vinewood Hills | On the roof of the Eclipse Boulevard Garage |
15 | North Vinewood | On the roof of the Oriental Theater |
16 | Racetrack | On the stand at the Vinewood Racetrack |
17 | Racetrack | On the roof of The Diamond Casino & Resort |
18 | Mirror Park | On a bench behind a building closest to the lake on the right side |
19 | La Mesa | On the roof of the Garment Factory |
20 | Downtown | Second to last floor of the Mile High Club |
21 | Downtown | Near the left plant at the Union Depository entrance |
23 | Rockford Hills | On a bench behind Eugenics Incorporated |
24 | Golf Course | The start of hole 9 at the GWC and Golfing Society |
25 | Richman Hill | On a grave at the Hill Valley Church Cemetery |
26 | Vespucci Canals | On the roof of Lettuce Be |
27 | South Los Santos | On the roof of Porn Crackers in Davis |
28 | South Los Santos | On the roof of Wok It Off in Chamberlain Hills |
29 | East Los Santos | An unfinished house ahead of Lester’s House |
30 | East Los Santos | On the roof of the Los Santos Car Meet |
31 | Junkyard | Next to a container under the canopy of the southeastern main building |
32 | Eastern Port of South Los Santos | The bow of the Daisy Lee on Terminal |
33 | Port of South Los Santos | The bow of the Olifantus on Elysian Island |
34 | Port of South Los Santos | To the left of the bridge on the SS Bulker on Elysian Island |
35 | Los Santos Airport | A concrete pipe behind Los Santos Customs |
36 | Los Santos Airport | On a Brute Constable 2a cargo loader in front of the southeasternmost hangar |
For a safer and faster experience while hunting these collectibles, consider playing in a private or friends-only lobby. Each Yuanbao you collect (except the last one) gives cash rewards, so a rogue missile from a less considerate player could easily ruin your treasure hunt. If you’re someone who gets easily sidetracked, don’t worry—engaging with various side activities or events can make the hunt more entertaining.
Rewards for Collecting Yuanbao
Valuable Rewards from GTA’s Latest Collectible Adventure
Each Yuanbao you collect nets you $888 and 888 Reputation Points. However, the final collectible, the 36th Yuanbao, rewards you with $88,888, leading to a total of $119,968 and 31,968 RP. While these payouts may not compete with larger heists, they’re still substantial for a simple scavenger hunt, making it a great way to grab some quick cash in GTA Online this new year.
In addition to the cash rewards, collecting all 36 Yuanbao unlocks the exclusive Gold Snake Santo Capra outfit for your character, letting you flaunt the festive spirit of the new year in style.
If you’re questioning the significance behind the number 8 in the Yuanbao rewards, it symbolizes good fortune and financial prosperity in Chinese culture, which fits perfectly with the substantial payouts in GTA V Online. While the Yuanbao hunt might not be the last collectible challenge GTA V Online introduces before GTA 6 arrives, the steady stream of updates and a rich variety of content will surely be missed in the sequel, raising the bar for what comes next.