How to calculate my Chinese zodiac sign?

Enter your birth year in the calculator above to find your sign. For example, 1990 is the Year of the Horse.

What are the lucky colors for 2026?

Red, yellow, and green are lucky for the Year of the Horse (2026). Avoid black and white to prevent bad luck."

What is the meaning of the Year of the Dragon?

The Dragon symbolizes power, luck, and success. People born in Dragon years are energetic, ambitious, and natural leaders.

What is a Benmingnian (Year of the Birth Animal)?

The year when your zodiac sign repeats (e.g., 2026 for those born in 1990). It's considered unlucky; wear red to ward off bad luck and avoid major life decisions.

Chinese Zodiac 2026: 12 Animal Signs, Horoscope & Lucky Charms

Written by Clementine | Updated January 20,2026

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Chinese zodiac, aka Shu Xiang, is a long-standing folk culture in China, represented by 12 animals, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The 12 zodiac signs are the figurative representatives of the 12 Earthly Branches ( Zi-Rat, Chou-Ox, Yin-Tiger, Mao-Ribbit, Chen-Dragon, Si-Snake, Wu-Horse, Wei-Goat, Shen-Monkey, You-Rooster, Xu-Dog and Hai-Pig), and with the development of history, they are gradually integrated with the folk beliefs and concepts, reflected in marriage, career, character, fortune and so on.

This article will introduce you to all information about the Chinese Zodiac, including traits and characteristics of each zodiac signs, your zodiac compatibility, and horoscope predictions of different zodiac signs in 2026.

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What is My Chinese Zodiac Sign?
What is the origin of the Chinese Zodiac?
The Personality of Different Chinese Zodiac Signs
Lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac
Unlucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
Zodiac Year of Birth (Ben Ming Nian)
Chinese Horoscope 2026: Predictions for Different Zodiac Signs
Science behind Chinese Zodiac
Year of the Horse 2026
What are the Luckiest and Unluckiest Chinese Zodiac Signs
What are the differences between Chinese zodiac and western astrology?
What are the Zodiac Animals in Other Asian Countries
FAQs about Chinese Zodiac 2026
Embark on a China Cultural Tour with China Xian Tour

What is My Chinese Zodiac Sign?

Your zodiac sign is determined by your lunar year of birth. The dates of Chinese New Year change every year, so it’s easy for someone born in January or February to get their zodiac sign wrong.

You can quickly find your Chinese zodiac sign according to the table below.

Chinese Zodiac Sign	Recent Years
Rat	… 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 …
Ox	… 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 …
Tiger	… 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 ….
Rabbit	… 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 …
Dragon	… 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 …
Snake	… 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037 …
Horse	… 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038 …
Goat	… 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039 …
Monkey	… 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040 …
Rooster	… 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041 …
Dog	… 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 …
Pig	… 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043 …

What is the origin of the Chinese Zodiac?

The origin of the Chinese zodiac is believed to be related to animal worship, and there was a relatively complete zodiac system before the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). In fact, there is no definitive conclusion on the origin of the Chinese zodiac, but various legends and speculations make it more mysterious and interesting.

Here is an engrossing folk tale regarding the origin and order of the Chinese Zodiac:

The Yellow Emperor wanted to choose 12 Chinese animals to serve as palace guards. The Cat asked the Rat to sign up, but the Rat forgot, which led to the Cat seeking revenge when it saw the Rat. Originally, the Ox was recommended as the first because of his honesty and diligence, but the Rat sneaked onto the Ox’s back to take the lead. The Tiger and the Dragon were not convinced, and were named the King of the Forest and the God of the Sea, ranking behind the Ox. The Rabbit had a race with the Dragon and finally won the race, ahead of the Dragon. After some competition, the Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, and Rooster followed closely behind the Dragon. The Dog was fined last for biting the Rabbit in a fit of rage. The Pig took the last seat due to being late.

The Personality of Different Chinese Zodiac Signs

People summarize the characteristics and traits of Shu Xiang through the nature of the zodiac animals. For example, people born under the Ox sign are reliable, diligent and hard-working, but have a fierce temper and are not good at expressing themselves.

However, in real life, the development of character is closely related to environment and encounters. Even people born in the same year may have different personalities. Therefore, the following characteristics of each Zodiac sign are for reference only.

Rat

Advantages: resourceful, versatile, optimistic, adaptable, easygoing

Disadvantages: timid, stubborn, self-centered, lack of perseverance

Ox

Advantages: reliable, diligent, prudent, honest

Disadvantages: Stubborn, fractious, not good at expression

Tiger

Advantages: independent, brave, confident, right-minded

Disadvantages: reckless, arrogant, overly competitive, imprudent

Rabbit

Advantages: gentle, quiet, modest, patient, responsible, meticulous

Disadvantages: timid, conservative, indecisive

Dragon

Advantages: adventurous, ambitious, romantic, energetic

Disadvantages: lack of persistence, overstrict, irritable

Snake

Advantages: dedicated, humorous, sociable, perceptive, intelligent

Disadvantages: possessive, lazy, prodigal

Horse

Advantages: animated, warm-hearted, wise, independent

Disadvantages: conceited, inflexible, outspoken, extravagant

Goat

Advantages: benevolent, upright, cordial, softhearted, elegant

Disadvantages: shy, sentimental, indecisive, pessimistic

Monkey

Advantages: up-and-coming, friendly, smart, frank, enthusiastic

Disadvantages: inattentive, self-respect, lack of patience

Rooster

Advantages: temperate, incisive, accommodating, far-seeing

Disadvantages: short-tempered, overconfident, flattering

Dog

Advantages: cautious, righteous, loyal, helpful, reliable

Disadvantages: emotional, conservative, critical

Pig

Advantages: cool-headed, ebullient, romantic, compassionate, optimistic

Disadvantages: taciturn, crabby, sleepy, extravagant

Lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac

In China, there are some lucky signs for each zodiac, such as color, number, flower, direction, etc. These signs are deeply rooted in ancient Chinese philosophical thoughts, folk beliefs and daily life. In modern times, their values mainly lie in providing positive psychological suggestions for people. When one believes that the sign will bring good luck, he will be more confident and optimistic, so he will face the challenge actively and achieve better results. Read the table below to find your own lucky signs and try to use the lucky signs in your daily life.

Chinese Zodiac	Lucky Numbers	Lucky Colors	Lucky Flowers	Lucky Directions
Rat	1, 4, 6	Gold, Red, Silver	Lily, African violet	Southwest, West, Northwest
Ox	0, 5	Purple, Gold, Green	Tulip, Peach blossom, Evergreen	South, Northeast
Tiger	2, 3, 8	Red, Gold	Flamingo Flower, Cineraria	South, North
Rabbit	1, 3, 6	Green, Black	Fittonia, Cyclamen	Northwest, East, South
Dragon	0, 5, 4, 9	Gold, Blue, White	Snapdragon, Torch Lily, Clerodendrum	South, North, Southeast
Snake	2, 3, 7, 8	Gold, Purple, Orange	Cactus, Orchid, Myosotis	Southwest, East, West
Horse	2, 7	Green, Blue	Jasmine, Calla Lily, African Daisy	East, Southwest
Goat	3, 7	Red, Gold, Brown	Primrose, Acacia flower, Iris, Carnation	Northwest, East
Monkey	4, 9	Gold, Blue, Green	Crape myrtle, Chrysanthemum	East, South
Rooster	0, 4, 5	Gold, Purple, White	Impatiens, Celosia, Calamus	South, Southeast
Dog	2, 5, 7	Red, Gold, Purple	Cymbidium faberi, Rose, Green bristlegrass	South, Northeast, East
Pig	1, 6	Gray, Black, Green	Hydrangea, Common nepenthes	East, Southwest

Unlucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac

Besides the lucky signs, there are also unlucky signs for each zodiac, including number, color and direction. Everyone should avoid them as much as possible in daily life, because it is believed that they may bring challenges to you. But it can not determine your destination. What really influences your life is your choice, effort and mindset. So do not pay too much attention to it.

Chinese Zodiac	Unlucky Numbers	Unlucky Colors	Unlucky Directions
Rat	5, 9	Yellow, Brown	South, Southeast
Ox	3, 4, 6	Blue	Southwest
Tiger	6, 7	Brown	Southeast
Rabbit	7, 8	Dark Yellow, White	North, West, Southwest
Dragon	3, 8	Green	Northwest
Snake	1, 6	Brown, White	Northeast, Northwest
Horse	1, 5, 6	White	North, Northwest
Goat	4, 9	Blue, Black	Southwest
Monkey	2, 7	Red, Pink	Southeast
Rooster	1, 3, 9	Red	East
Dog	1, 6	Blue, White	Southeast
Pig	3, 7, 9	Red, Blue	Southeast

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility

Are you curious who your Mr./Ms. Right is? The compatibility of the zodiac animals, widely popular among the Chinese people, is based on the principle of the 12 zodiac signs complementing each other. In numerology, the zodiac signs correspond to the 12 earthly branches, and the 12 earthly branches are endowed with the attributes of the Five Elements (Metal – Monkey, Rooster; Wood – Tiger, Rabbit; Water – Rat, Pig; Fire – Snake, Horse; Earth – Ox, Dragon, Goat, Dog).

It is believed that people born in a certain zodiac year have the characteristics of that zodiac animal, which will more or less affect their personality and thus hinder or actively promote a romantic relationship.

Find the right one based on the table below.

Chinese Zodiac	Best Match	Better Avoid
Rat	Ox, Dragon, Monkey	Rabbit, Horse, Goat, Rooster
Ox	Rat, Snake, Rooster	Dragon, Dog, Goat
Tiger	Horse, Dog	Snake, Monkey, Pig
Rabbit	Goat, Dog, Pig	Rat, Dragon, Horse, Rooster
Dragon	Rat, Monkey, Rooster	Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Dog
Snake	Ox, Rooster	Tiger, Monkey, Pig
Horse	Tiger, Goat, Dog	Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Rooster
Goat	Rabbit, Horse, Pig	Ox, Dragon, Dog
Monkey	Rat, Dragon	Tiger, Snake, Pig
Rooster	Ox, Dragon, Snake	Rat, Rabbit, Horse
Dog	Tiger, Rabbit, Horse	Ox, Dragon, Goat, Rooster
Pig	Rabbit, Goat	Snake, Monkey, Pig

Zodiac Year of Birth (Ben Ming Nian)

Ben Ming Nian refers to the year of the lunar zodiac that occurs once every 12 years. People experience their birth year of the Chinese zodiac sign at the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, and 108.

In traditional Han customs, Ben Ming Nian is often considered an unlucky year, during which you may encounter many obstacles. So how do you create good luck in your Zodiac Year of Birth.

Every Zodiac Year of Birth, people from all over China, both adults and children, will wear red underwear and red ornaments. They believe that only in this way can they avoid misfortune, adversity and disasters. During the Spring Festival, streets and bazaars are filled with red hand ropes, necklaces, and belts, which place people’s good wishes for blessing.

Chinese Horoscope 2026: Predictions for Different Zodiac Signs

To have a smooth year in 2026, every zodiac should know about their fortune in wealth, career, relationship and health first. And then focus on the aspect they should pay more attention to and try to achieve a good result through their behaviors in daily life. Find out the information about your own zodiac in the following content.

Zodiac Rat Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Fluctuations and Challenges

Rats face a relatively tough year in 2026. They may suffer unexpected financial losses. It is necessary to be extremely prudent in investment. During work, there are more challenges, so mind your words and behaviors. In the relationship, it is easy for them to quarrel with partner. Communicating more in daily life will be helpful.

Focus Area: Be cautious and maintain stability.

Zodiac Ox Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Hidden Opportunities and Risks

Ox will have a stable income from their main business. And there may be good chances in the career, but remember to keep a low profile in case of villains. As for love fortune, keep a clear mind to avoid being engaged in a bad romance. In health, pay more attention to the insomnia and anxiety caused by stress.

Focus Area: Maintain good interpersonal relationships and maintain current achievements.

Zodiac Tiger Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Take advantage of fortune to improve

2026 is a smooth year for Tigers. They will gain both regular and windfall wealth. And benefactors will help them in the workplace. Tigers with partners can consider deepening their relationship. Their health condition is also generally good.

Focus Area: Grasp chances and maintain good relationships with others

Zodiac Rabbit Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Maintain foundation

For Rabbits, 2026 is a stable year without too many fluctuations. They will gain income through working hard. In career, they may feel a lack of momentum. Just keep learning to prepare for the future. To warm up the love relationship, taking the initiative is the key. Their body condition also keeps healthy.

Focus Area: Try to improve yourself for the future.

Zodiac Dragon Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Smooth

Dragons will have a considerable fortune in 2026. They will get the chance to show their talents and be promoted. Single Dragons have a good love fortune and married Dragons enjoy a harmonious family atmosphere. The only thing they should pay attention to is to avoid being overtired.

Focus Area: Keep forging ahead and balance work and life.

Zodiac Snake Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme:

Snakes may suffer losses due to lawsuits and fines. Be careful when signing contracts. They are competent but prone to arousing jealousy. It is necessary to keep a low profile. In daily life, manage emotions and pay attention to physical health.

Focus Area: Keep modest and preserve health in daily life.

Zodiac Horse Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Be prudent and conservative

In 2026, Horses should focus on the main business and avoid large-scale investments. There may be more hindrances in the workplace. Just proceed steadily and avoid being impulsive. A healthy relationship needs your patience. The most important thing is that you may suffer from acute illness or accidents. It is advised to have a physical examination earlier.

Focus Area: Maintain a good attitude and pay attention to safety.

Zodiac Goat Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Harmony leads to success

Goats will make achievements in both main job and side job. With the assistance of benefactors, it is a great year to achieve goals in career. They will also enjoy a harmonious and sweet love life and a good physical and mental condition.

Focus Area: Emphasize cooperation and remain humble

Zodiac Monkey Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Stable and gradual progress

Though Monkeys will face more pressure in 2026, their efforts will pay off. They can focus more on accumulating experience and improving skills. Pay attention to mental stress and occupational diseases.

Focus Area: Make steady progress and ensure appropriate exercise and rest.

Zodiac Rooster Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Both good and bad luck

Making a good budget is necessary for Rooster, because they will have more emotional and interpersonal expenses. A good relationship with colleagues will help you a lot in the workplace. Single Roosters have a great opportunity to meet the destined person.

Focus Area: Balance and concentration

Zodiac Dog Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Gain help from a benefactor

The wealth of Dogs will rise steadily. And they can expect additional income such as a bonus. With the help of benefactors, there is a chance to take power in the company. The fortune for love and health is average.

Focus Area: Maintain a good interpersonal relationship.

Zodiac Pig Horoscope in 2026

Key Theme: Seek improvement in stability

The income and expenses are balanced in 2026 for Pigs. To attain development in the workplace, they need to find the chance proactively. In health, keep a healthy diet and drink more water.

Focus Area: Take initiative and focus on health-preserving

Science behind Chinese Zodiac

Twelve Earthly Branches & Twelve Zodiac Signs

In ancient Chinese astronomy, a day was divided into twelve 2-hour periods, named the twelve earthly branches. The twelve earthly branches are zi (子), chǒu (丑), yín (寅), mǎo (卯), chén (辰), sì (巳), wǔ (午), wèi (未), shēn (申), yǒu (酉), xū (戌), hài (亥) in order. This system was used to denote time and observe celestial phenomena.

These Earthly Branches are deeply intertwined with the theories of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and Yin-Yang, and play an important role in Chinese astronomy.

To make it easier for the common people to accept, 12 animals with similar characteristics and traits were chosen to represent the twelve Earthly Branches.

How Do Chinese astrologers know each zodiac’s personality, fortune, and compatibility?

The period from 11 PM to 1 AM is known as the “Rat Hour” because it is the time when rats are most active. Similarly, 1 Am to 3 AM is named “Ox Hour” for it is usually the time when oxen are fed. According to this pattern, each two-hour period of the twelve Earthly Branches is paired with an animal. Then, method of timekeeping was also adapted to mark years, forming the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

From long-term observations, people associate each zodiac animal with specific personality traits, fortunes, and different elements. By analyzing a person’s birth branch and zodiac sign, the Chinese horoscope can predict his/her personality, health, career path, etc. and provide corresponding advice to navigate life challenges more effectively. For example, people born in the Year of the Rat are often intelligent and adaptable, and those born in the Year of the Tiger are often seen as brave and enthusiastic.

In Chinese Feng Shui theory, the specific symbolic meaning of each zodiac sign is also used to predict auspicious and inauspicious incluences. Each zodiac sign has its “friends” (best matches) and “enemies” (signs to avoid). For instance, the Rat (belongs to the Water Element structure) is harmonious with the Ox (Earth element), Dragon (Water element), and Monkey (Metal element), but conflicts with the Horse (Fire element).

More readings about Chinese culture and traditions:

Year of the Horse 2026

According to the zodiac cycle, 2026 is the year of the Horse. In the solar calendar, it lasts from Feb. 17, 2026 to Feb. 5, 2027. The Heavenly Stem is “Bing” and the Earthly Branch is “Wu”, and both belong to the Fire element, so 2026 is also called the Bingwu Year of Horse or the Year of Fire Horse. Traditionally, it is believed that this year is full of energy and represents empathy, creativity and vitality of change. Since fire corresponds red color, it becomes the lucky color this year. For people born in the year of the Horse, Rat, Ox and Rabbit, it is recommended to wear red clothes.

What are the Luckiest and Unluckiest Chinese Zodiac Signs

There is no absolutely uniform answer, because different sects and areas have different views about it. Here is the widely recognized thought. Generally speaking, Rat, Dragon and Monkey are considered to enjoy a better destination and are born with good fortune. Rat symbolizes wisdom and adaptability; dragon is a symbol of nobility and success; and monkey is intelligent and quick-witted, who can always turn danger into safety.

While Ox, Rooster and Snake are regarded as people who will go through more hardships and have relatively less good fortune in their lives. They will undergo ups and downs during the process of achieving the goal, so they should learn to restrain and accumulate.

What are the differences between Chinese zodiac and western astrology?

Though both Chinese zodiac and western astrology try to explore the relationship between humans and the universe and provide a mirror for people to understand their personality and destiny, they follow completely different cultural backgrounds and inner logistics. See the detailed information in the table below.

	Chinese Zodiac	Western Astrology
Cultural origin	The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches dating system and animal worship in ancient China	The astronomy and mythological philosophy of ancient Babylon and ancient Greece
Core logistics	Determine the zodiac according to the year of birth and in combination with Five Elements theory	Determine the constellation according to the month of birth
Philosophical foundation	Collectivity, emphasize the relationship and responsibility of a person in family and society	Individualism and psychoanalysis, emphasize personal traits and psychological traits
Symbol system	12 animals and each has its own implied meaning	12 signs of the zodiac
Dynamics	Relatively stable, form a periodic change with influence of influence of the annual Tai Sui and the Five Elements	Very detailed, taking into account the real-time movement of planets, aspects, houses, etc., and the astrological chart is unique to every person

What are the Zodiac Animals in Other Asian Countries

Though the zodiac culture is diverse in other countries in Asia, most of them originate from China. Some of them are very similar to China, while some have developed their own unique versions.

Japan: the types and order of animals are basically the same as China, the main difference is that the Pig in Japan refers to the wild boar.

Korea: completely the same as China in both types and order.

Vietnam: Rabbit is replaced by cat and Ox specifically refers to the water buffalo.

Cambodia: the animal types are the same as China, but the order is Ox ranks first and Rat ranks last.

Thailand: the animal types are the same but the Snake ranks first in the cycle. In some areas, the Dragon is replaced by the “Naga” (the snake god), and the Pig is replaced by the Elephant.

India: Tiger and Rooster are replaced by Lion and Redpoll, respectively.

Myanmar: the most different. It has only 8 zodiacs, which are lion, tiger, elephant, rat, guinea pig, dragon, falcon/goshawk. Wednesday is divided into the first half (for the double-toothed elephant) and the second half (for the toothless elephant).

FAQs about Chinese Zodiac 2026

What is the Chinese Zodiac system based on?

The Chinese Zodiac system is based on the animal worship and totem worship by ancient people.

How many animals are included in the Chinese Zodiac cycle?

There are 12 animals in Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.

What is the legend that determines the order of the twelve animals?

A prevailing story tells that the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan wanted to select twelve animals to guard the imperial court and the order was determined through a contest. The sequence in which the animals arrived is that of the Chinese zodiac.

Why is the Chinese Zodiac sometimes associated with the Five Elements?

Because the zodiac is closely related to the system of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches and this system itself has its own Five Elements attribute.

Does the Chinese Zodiac influence personality traits and destiny?

Yes. Usually, it is believed that each person has the traits of the zodiac he/she belongs to.

Does the Chinese Zodiac play a role in traditional Chinese wedding and relationship compatibility?

Yes. People believe that the relationships among different zodiacs are divided into mutual generation, compatibility and conflict. So before getting married, they will refer to the relationship between their zodiacs.

Is the Lunar New Year the official start date for the new Zodiac year?

Yes, the lunar New Year is the official start date for the new Zodiac year.

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Chinese Zodiac 2026: Everything You Need to Know