The Chinese zodiac is an ancient cultural system that dates back several millennia. It comprises twelve Chinese horoscope animal signs that repeat over a 12-year cycle and, when combined with the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, according to the Chinese astrology calendar, give rise to unique personality traits and individual strengths that govern a person’s destiny reflected in Chinese horoscope years.
It is believed that these zodiac animals influence one's fate, and hence the zodiac cycle plays an important role in Chinese culture and understanding Chinese horoscope compatibility. It guides individuals in making the right decisions when they concern important life events such as choosing a life partner or setting up a new business.
Each year begins with the Lunar New Year or the Chinese New Year and is marked by a new zodiac sign. Therefore, the dates of the lunar New Year do not align with the Gregorian calendar’s New Year on January 1st.
Chinese astrology is rich and complex, and understanding it means delving into a complex system that combines Taoist philosophy, the lunisolar calendar, and imperial legends.1
Key Takeaways
- Chinese astrology combines 12 Chinese horoscope animals, the Five Elements, and Yin–Yang balance to form a sophisticated system that identifies personality types and acts as a guide when taking key life decisions.
- Each Chinese horoscope animal pairs with an element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), to form a repeating 60-year sexagenary cycle.
- Chinese astrology is widely used to assess Chinese horoscope compatibility in assessing compatible marriages, professional partnerships, and friendships.
- These Chinese horoscope animals are not random but reflect ancient Chinese values.
- Even today, the Chinese astrology calendar remains relevant across Asia in countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, albeit with slight variations.
The Chinese Zodiac System
Origins and Historical Background
Chinese astrology originated at the imperial court. As early as the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BC), observing the sky was a matter of state. The Emperor, considered the “Son of Heaven,” alone could consult the stars to predict harvests or the outcome of a war, ensuring harmony between the celestial and terrestrial worlds.
However, it was during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) that the system was fully codified through the introduction of the lunisolar calendar. While imperial astronomers monitored eclipses (seen as bad omens), astrology gradually permeated the daily lives of the people, guiding the dates of major traditional festivals, such as the New Year or the Lantern Festival and shaping the social and agricultural life of China.
2637 BC
The Founding Myth
According to legend, the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) invented the first calendar and established the first 60-year cycle. This is the traditional “zero point” of Chinese chronology.
4th century BC (Warring States period)
Theoretical Contribution
Development and integration of the Wu Xing theory (the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) into the astrological system and medicine.
104 BC (Han Dynasty)
Codification
Promulgation of the Taichu (“Great Beginning”) calendar by Emperor Wu. This marked the true birth of the organised calendar system as we know it today, combining solar and lunar cycles.
618–907 (Tang Dynasty)
The Popularisation of Animals
Although animals already existed, it was during this cultural golden age that the association of the 12 animals with the years of birth became popular and spread widely throughout society and to neighbouring countries (Japan, Korea).
1912
Modern Duality
With the fall of the Empire and the birth of the Republic of China, the country officially adopted the Gregorian (solar) calendar for administrative purposes, but retained the lunar calendar for festivals and astrology.
The 12 Zodiac Animals and Their Characteristics
The Rat - (鼠 shǔ)
Rat Years
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Rat Compatibility
Best with Dragon, Monkey, Ox
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Rooster, Dog, Pig
Bad with Horse; Avoid Sheep
Since rats reproduce quickly, some people also pray to rats for children.
The Rat Personality
- Rats are quick-witted, versatile, and they adapt to any situation.
- Rats are optimistic and outgoing, and very considerate of others.
- They are highly skilled, making them good leaders.
The Ox - (牛 niú)
Ox Years
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Ox Compatibility
Best with Snake, Rooster, Rat
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Bad with Sheep; Avoid Horse
The Ox Personality
- Ox is calm, persistent, hardworking, and honest.
- People born in Ox years are strong-willed, yet tolerant.
- They are very steadfast and reliable, making them dependable partners.
The Tiger - (虎 hǔ)
Tiger Years
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Tiger Compatibility
Best with Horse, Dog, Pig;
Fine with Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Sheep, Rooster
Bad with Monkey Avoid Snake
The Tiger Personality
- Tigers are confident and brave, loyal and trustworthy.
- They love justice.
- Still, Tigers are bossy and often act rashly.
- They can also be short-tempered and are typically arrogant.
The Rabbit - (兔 tù)
Rabbit Years
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Rabbit Compatibility
Best with Sheep, Dog, Pig
Fine with Rat, Ox, Tiger, Snake, Horse, Monkey
Bad with Rooster; Avoid Dragon
The Rabbit Personality
- Rabbits are gentle and considerate, friendly and compassionate.
- They are known for their artistic abilities.
- They are also excellent listeners.
The Dragon - (龙 lóng)
Dragon Years
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Dragon Compatibility
Best with Rat, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Ox, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Pig
Bad with Dog; Avoid Rabbit
In Chinese culture, dragons are associated with good fortune and longevity, hence the baby boom observed in Singapore and Malaysia in 1976, which was a Dragon year.
The Dragon Personality
- Dragon's Chinese zodiac personality is confident and ambitious, energetic and intelligent.
- Dragons are generous and honest in all their dealings.
- However, dragons can be conceited and unrealistic, demanding and unstable.
The Snake - (蛇 shé)
Snake Years
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Snake Compatibility
Best with Ox, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Rat, Dragon, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Dog
Bad with Pig; Avoid Tiger
The Snake Personality
- Snakes are graceful, wise, and good at speaking.
- They might seem cold, but deep down, they are very devoted.
- They have a suspicious nature and can be sly and untrustworthy.
The Horse - (马 mǎ)
Horse Years
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Horse Compatibility
Best with Tiger, Sheep, Dog
Fine with Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster
Bad with Rat; Avoid Ox
The Horse Personality
- Horses are patient and warm-hearted.
- But they don't surrender easily.
- Horses can also be opinionated, outspoken, and inflexible in their views.
The Goat (山羊 Shānyáng)
Sheep Years
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Sheep Compatibility
Best with Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Fine with Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Dog
Bad with Ox; Avoid Rat
The Chinese saying “San Yang Kai Tai,” dating to the 18th century, roughly means “three sheep on the mountaintop usher in new beginnings and fortune.” It means bad luck is over, and wealth and prosperity are coming in the year ahead.
The Sheep Personality
- Ewes are soft-hearted and gentle, reliable and thrifty.
- They are good at using soft power.
- However, they are moody and sometimes too timid to stand up for themselves.
The Monkey - (猴 hóu)
Monkey Years
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Monkey Compatibility
Best with Rat, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Ox, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Rooster
Bad with Tiger; Avoid Pig
The Monkey Personality
- Monkeys are intelligent, self-assured and innovative.
- They are curious and love exploring new things.
- They handle change quite well.
The Rooster - (鸡 jī)
Rooster Years
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Rooster Compatibility
Best with Ox, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Rat, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Rabbit; Avoid Dog
The Rooster Personality
- Roosters are ambitious, capable, quick-witted and confident.
- They are detail-oriented and have great foresight.
- They like structure and don't shy away from taking on challenges head-on.
Among traditional foods to eat on Lunar New Year, you'll find a whole chicken - head, feet, and all. As the superstition goes, the bird's feet symbolise the ability to hold wealth. Tradition dictates that the head of the household should eat them.
The Dog - (狗 gǒu)
Dog Years
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Dog Compatibility
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Horse
Fine with Rat, Ox, Snake, Sheep, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Dragon; Avoid Rooster
The Dog Personality
- Zodiac dogs are highly loyal and devoted to friends and family.
- They are clever, responsible, and uphold justice.
- But they worry too much and may focus too much on the negative side of things.
The Pig - (猪 zhū)
Pig Years
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Pig Compatibility
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep
Fine with Rat, Ox, Dragon, Horse, Dog
Bad with Snake; Avoid Monkey
The Pig Personality
- Pigs are warm-hearted and sincere.
- They are very straightforward and are very caring in nature.
- But they can be very naive sometimes and too trusting of others.
| Sign | Main Theme | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Rat (Shǔ) | Cleverness and seeking opportunity | Resourceful and intelligent |
| Ox/Buffalo (Niú) | Prosperity through hard work | Diligent, dependable, and patient |
| Tiger (Hǔ) | Protection and bravery | Assertive, brave, and confident |
| Rabbit (Tù) | Longevity and peace | Peace loving, gentle, and refined |
| Dragon (Lóng) | Imperial power and luck | Ambitious, visionary, and charismatic |
| Serpent (Shé) | Rebirth and wisdom | Intuitive and wise |
| Horse (Mǎ) | Quick success and travel | Driven, independent, and energetic |
| Goat/Buck (Yáng) | Harmony and filial piety | Artistic and empathetic |
| Monkey (Hóu) | Intelligence and promotion | Clever and resourceful |
| Rooster (Jī) | Punctuality and protection | Responsible and alert |
| Dog (Gǒu) | Loyalty and protection | Honest and loyal |
| Pig (Zhū) | Wealth and happiness | Easygoing and generous |
Find your Chinese language course to learn more about the legends of animals in Chinese astrology.
The Chinese Astrology Calendar
Although the Chinese use the Gregorian calendar, their astrology calendar plays an integral part in everyday life and is used to determine important life events like marriage compatibility, choosing a career path, and the best times to have a baby.
Chinese astrology is based on the lunisolar calendar, which takes into consideration both the moon’s phases and the solar year. However, zodiac signs never exist in isolation. Chinese astrology is a unique combination of 12 zodiac signs along with the five elements to form a repeating 60-year cycle called the sexagenary cycle.
The sexagenary cycle consists of 10 heavenly stems (干 gàn) and 12 earthy branches (支 zhī). Each month and year is composed of a stem and a branch, resulting in 60 unique stem-branch combinations, with Jia Zi marking the beginning of the cycle.
In ancient times, completing one full 60-year cycle was considered an important milestone.
The sexagenary cycle also combines the 12-year animal cycle with the binary cycle of Yin and Yang.
Interestingly, each animal always carries the same Yin or Yang attribute. For instance, the Dragon is always Yang, while the Goat is always Yin. In modern Chinese calendars, even years are Yang, and odd years are Yin.
The year 2024 was a Jia Zi year, and the next Jia Zi year will occur 60 years later, in 2084.
Chinese Horoscope Year and Elements
The 12-Year Cycle and Associated Elements
The Chinese zodiac calendar follows a repeatable cycle of 12 years, with each year named after one of the 12 zodiac animals. Historically, these zodiac animals were used to date the year and depending on the year you were born, the characteristics of the associated animal are going to be reflected in the personality of a person.2
Even if you don’t believe in it, the zodiac is a fun way to learn more about Chinese culture. It’s a reminder of how important it is to pay attention to different societies and keep an open mind about our many differences and similarities.
ShaoLan Hsueh, writer
However, it is not just the associated zodiac animal that determines a person’s personality. The Chinese Zodiac also incorporates the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. It is believed these elements affect a person’s destiny and personality. Each element, in turn, has a Yin-Yang aspect.
Key Features of the 12-Year Cycle:
- Each year in the cycle is represented by a specific animal symbolising specific traits, with the cycle repeating every 12 years
- The cycle is based on ancient Chinese astronomy
- Each animal pairs with one of the five elements, depending on the year the sign occurs, forming a complete 60-year cycle.
- The zodiac is used to assess personality, fortune, and compatibility across East Asian cultures.
Influence of the Five Elements on Zodiac Signs
In Chinese astrology, each year is influenced not only by the zodiac animals but also by one of the Five Elements, a philosophy known as Wu Xing. These elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—are not static but represent movement and transformation.
They are:
- Wood: Wood represents growth and renewal.
- Fire: Fire represents passion, energy and dynamism.
- Earth: Earth represents stability, reliability, and dependability.
- Metal: Represents strength, rigidity, and determination.
- Water: Symbolises wisdom, flexibility, and fluidity.
The five elements follow a sequence, with each element giving rise to the next:
- 🪵 Wood nourishes Fire 🔥
- 🔥 Fire creates Earth (through ashes) 🌍
- 🌍 Earth carries Metal ⚙️
- ⚙️ Metal enriches Water 💧
- 💧 Water nourishes Wood 🪵
These shape the personality of each zodiac sign. For instance, a “Fire Dragon” will be more impulsive and dominating than a “Water Dragon,” who is calmer and more intuitive.
They shape your personality. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water follow each other every two years. They interact in cycles (e.g., Wood nourishes Fire). So, being a “Tiger” is not enough: a Fire Tiger (impulsive) is completely different from a Water Tiger (calm).
Chinese Horoscope Compatibility
In the Chinese horoscope, some zodiac signs are more compatible with each other than others. Knowing about the compatibility between different zodiac signs helps individuals provide a deeper understanding of the individual and understand potential challenges and opportunities for growth.
In Chinese astrology, compatibility can be explained through the “triangles of affinity.” The twelve animal signs are divided into four groups of three that have similar ways of thinking or temperament. They are:
- Rat, Dragon and Monkey (the achievers)
- Ox, Snake and Rooster (the planners)
- Tiger, Horse and Dog (Idealists)
- Rabbit, Goat and Pig (the creative types
A simple rule of thumb to determine if zodiac signs are compatible or not is to remember that the most compatible signs are four years apart, which means you’re most compatible with those born 4 years before and 4 years after. For example, someone born in 1986 (Tiger) is most compatible with someone born in 1982 (Dog) or 1990 (Horse).
Love and Relationship Compatibility
Remember the Golden Pig Baby Boom of 2007, when couples in China went berserk making babies, driven by the belief rooted in Chinese astrology and the Chinese astrology calendar that children born in the Year of the Pig will be born intelligent and healthy.
A similar belief influences the matters of the heart, where people check the Chinese horoscope animal matching traits. When you find that special someone, it is plausible to wonder whether your zodiac sign is compatible with theirs—whether, for instance, if you are a Rat, could you be romantically compatible with a Horse or a Rooster?
Doubts are bound to arise, but fear not — astrology can help you navigate the complex realm of relationships. You can use a Chinese zodiac compatibility calculator to test if you and your partner are a good fit for each other.
In fact, there are several Chinese zodiac compatibility charts out there that help people find their Chinese horoscope compatibilities before embarking on a romantic relationship or a business venture.
Here is a table to give you a quick idea about which zodiac signs are most compatible with each other based on Chinese astrology.
| Zodiac Sign | Most Compatible |
|---|---|
| Rat | Dragon, Monkey |
| Ox | Snake, Rooster |
| Tiger | Horse, Dog |
| Rabbit | Sheep, Pig |
| Dragon | Rat, Monkey |
| Snake | Ox, Rooster |
| Horse | Tiger, Dog |
| Sheep | Rabbit, Pig |
| Monkey | Rat, Dragon |
| Rooster | Ox, Snake |
| Dog | Tiger, Horse |
| Pig | Rabbit, Sheep |
On Asian (and Western) dating apps, displaying your zodiac sign is an effective filter. People want to know if the Rat will get along with the Rabbit before even going on a first date.
The rise of online Bazi calculators allows anyone to access their complete astrological chart in just a few clicks, democratising knowledge that was once reserved for the elite.
Friendship and Professional Compatibility
Rooted in the Chinese astrology calendar, certain zodiac pairings are believed to be especially compatible in business. For example, the Ox and the Rat are considered an excellent pair in Chinese astrology who work together very well in a business setting.
The Rat is one of the most resourceful Chinese horoscope animals and has strong business insight. Similarly, the Ox, another Chinese horoscope animal, is known for long-term stability and reliability. Together they form a successful team.
In Hong Kong or Shanghai, it is not uncommon for major contracts to be signed on an “auspicious” date calculated according to the lunar calendar.
Similarly, the Tiger and the Rabbit make a wonderful business partner pair as per Chinese zodiac compatibility. The Tiger is a powerful symbol in the Chinese horoscope and is known for its leadership skills.
They complement the Rabbit’s empathetic nature perfectly. This pairing is recommended in Chinese astrology compatibility as it creates a harmonious work environment that takes the business to greater heights.
These beliefs are reinforced by the success stories of many successful business partnerships.
- Steve Jobs (born in the Year of the Rabbit) and Steve Wozniak (Year of the Ox) built Apple Inc together.
- Joseph Tsai (Year of the Dragon) and Jack Ma (Year of the Ox) built Alibaba into a global enterprise.
Chinese Horoscope in Modern Times
Contemporary Relevance and Practices
Far from being a relic of the past, the Chinese zodiac survived the Cultural Revolution and rapid modernisation because it offers a reassuring framework for interpreting uncertainty.
Which aspect of Chinese astrology intrigues you the most?
Chinese astrology has migrated from temples to smartphones. Today, we no longer necessarily consult the village sage, but rather dedicated apps for checking romantic compatibility or seeing how well you vibe with your business partners or colleagues.
Differences Between Chinese and Western Astrology
While both Chinese and Western astrology hold that the planets influence the moment of birth and shape an individual's entire life, they both differ substantially from each other.3
Zodiac Structure in Western Astrology
In Western astrology, a person’s zodiac sign is determined by the month of birth, based on the sun’s position.
- The Western system divides the year into 12 zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces).
- The West divides the solar year into 12 signs (Aries, Taurus, etc.), each spanning a month. These signs are used to describe personality traits and life themes.
- Western astrology uses four fixed elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. These elements are linked to specific zodiac signs and personality types.
Zodiac Structure in Chinese Astrology
- In contrast, Chinese astrology uses 12-year lunar cycles and divides astrological signs by years, with each year being represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals.
- But the animal of your birth year represents only 1/8th of your astrological chart. The complete system is called Bazi (八字) or the “Four Pillars of Destiny,” where each moment of your birth corresponds to a pillar:
Year
Month
Day
Hour
This is where the time of birth becomes crucial (like the ascendant in Western astrology). It determines your “secret animal,” the one that governs your inner self. For a serious analysis, an astrologer will look at the complex interaction between these four animals and the five elements.
- Chinese astrology also uses Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—with each element linked to a 2-year period.
Lunar (Chinese) Astrology vs. Solar (Western) Astrology
Western Astrology
- Originated in ancient Babylon
- Based on the solar calendar
- The Zodiac cycle follows 12 months
- Uses Four Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
- Each year is represented by constellation symbols
Chinese Astrology
- Originated in ancient China
- Based on the lunisolar calendar
- The Zodiac cycle follows 12 years
- Uses Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water
- Each year corresponds to one of the twelve animal signs
References
- Writer ShaoLan Hsueh explaining the Chinese zodiac system in a TED Talk. Available at https://ideas.ted.com/the-surprising-influence-of-the-chinese-zodiac/. Accessed on January 15, 2026
- The origins and peculiarities of zodiac signs in the ancient Chinese tradition. Available at https://journals.rudn.ru/semiotics-semantics/article/view/29894. Accessed on January 15, 2026
- A ResearchGate article discussing the difference between Chinese and Western zodiac culture. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375786951_Differences_in_Chinese_and_Western_Culture_from_the_Perspective_of_the_Twelve_Zodiac_Signs. Accessed on January 15, 2026
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