The Chinese zodiac is one of the oldest and most widely followed astrological systems in the world — spanning 12 animals, 60-year cycles, and more than 2,000 years of history.
The Chinese zodiac, known as Shengxiao (生肖), assigns one of twelve animals to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. Unlike the Western zodiac which changes monthly, your Chinese zodiac sign is determined by your birth year — making it immediately identifiable and widely memorable. With over 1.4 billion people in China alone following the system, plus hundreds of millions more across East and Southeast Asia, the Chinese zodiac influences everything from baby-naming to business partnerships and marriage decisions.
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Traits: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind, smart. Rats are natural survivors who adapt quickly to any situation. They are often successful in business due to their sharp instincts and practical intelligence.
Lucky numbers: 2, 3 | Lucky colours: Blue, gold, green | Best matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Traits: Diligent, dependable, strong, determined, honest. Oxen are the hardest workers of the zodiac. They are methodical and patient, preferring steady progress to quick results.
Lucky numbers: 1, 4 | Lucky colours: White, yellow, green | Best matches: Rat, Snake, Rooster
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Traits: Brave, competitive, unpredictable, confident. Tigers are natural leaders who command respect and inspire others through their courage and charisma. They can be impulsive but are fiercely loyal.
Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 4 | Lucky colours: Blue, grey, orange | Best matches: Horse, Dog
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Traits: Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible, thoughtful. Rabbits are diplomatic and gentle — they avoid conflict and create harmony. They have excellent taste and artistic sensibility.
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6 | Lucky colours: Red, pink, purple | Best matches: Goat, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Traits: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic, ambitious. The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac and the most auspicious sign. Dragon years consistently see spikes in birth rates in China as parents aim for Dragon children.
Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 7 | Lucky colours: Gold, silver, grey | Best matches: Rooster, Rat, Monkey
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Traits: Enigmatic, intuitive, wise, elegant. Snakes are the deepest thinkers of the zodiac — introspective and philosophical. They are often gifted with insight that others miss. 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9 | Lucky colours: Black, red, yellow | Best matches: Ox, Rooster
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Traits: Animated, active, energetic, passionate, adventurous. Horses love freedom and have an infectious enthusiasm for life. 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7 | Lucky colours: Yellow, green | Best matches: Tiger, Goat, Rabbit
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Traits: Calm, gentle, sympathetic, creative. Goats are artistic souls who thrive in supportive environments. They are deeply empathetic and often drawn to creative or healing professions.
Lucky numbers: 2, 7 | Lucky colours: Brown, red, purple | Best matches: Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Traits: Sharp, smart, curious, mischievous, versatile. Monkeys are the cleverest of the zodiac — quick learners with a playful spirit and exceptional problem-solving ability.
Lucky numbers: 4, 9 | Lucky colours: White, blue, gold | Best matches: Ox, Rabbit
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Traits: Observant, hardworking, courageous, honest, punctual. Roosters have high standards — for themselves and others. They are meticulous, organised, and often highly capable professionals.
Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 8 | Lucky colours: Gold, brown, yellow | Best matches: Ox, Snake
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Traits: Loyal, honest, prudent, kind, cautious. Dogs are the most trustworthy sign of the zodiac. They are deeply devoted to those they love and have an innate sense of justice.
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9 | Lucky colours: Green, red, purple | Best matches: Rabbit, Tiger
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Traits: Compassionate, generous, diligent, sincere. Pigs are the most generous of the zodiac — warm-hearted and always willing to help. They love comfort and have refined tastes.
Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8 | Lucky colours: Yellow, grey, brown | Best matches: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat
The Chinese zodiac operates on a 60-year cycle rather than just 12, because each animal year is also associated with one of five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — which cycle through every two years. This means there is a Wood Rat, Fire Rat, Earth Rat, Metal Rat, and Water Rat, each with slightly different characteristics. The full 60-year cycle (12 animals × 5 elements) before a complete repeat is called a Jiǎzǐ.
Use our Zodiac Calculator to instantly find your Chinese zodiac animal alongside your Western zodiac sign, birthstone, element, and personality traits — all from your date of birth.
Enter your birthday and discover your Chinese zodiac animal and Western sign instantly.
🐉 Find My Zodiac Sign →