Chinese Zodiac

Chinese zodiac, also known as Sheng Xiao (生肖) or Shu Xiang (属相), is a big part of traditional Chinese culture, which recurs every 12 years. There are 12 zodiac signs in total, forming a 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. They are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, aligned in sequential order.

Chinese zodiac years start from the lunar Chinese New Year, which usually falls in late January or early February, and end in the middle or the end of February. The Chinese zodiac calendar is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which is grounded in the cycles of the moon.

The 2026 Year of the Horse begins on February 17th, 2026, and ends on February 5th, 2027. It is believed by Chinese people that the horoscope, traits, and love compatibility have particular relevance to their Chinese zodiac animal on the basis of the birth year.

Scroll down and check out your Chinese zodiac sign, love compatibility, and 2026 horoscope predictions.

Chinese Zodiac 2026 & 2027

Then what is the next zodiac year? Chinese zodiac 2026 turns to the Horse sign, the seventh zodiac animal. The Chinese zodiac year is the Year of the Horse, lasting from February 17th, 2026, to February 5th, 2027.

2027 will be the Year of the Goat.

What is My Chinese Zodiac Sign?

As mentioned before, there are 12 Chinese zodiac years in total, which depend on your birth year. A Chinese zodiac year stands for an animal. For example, 2000 is the year of the Dragon, and if you were born in 2000, then you are known as the Dragon sign, which works for most people. The Chinese zodiac chart could be your reference. But if you were in late January, you should switch the calendar to the Chinese lunar calendar to double-check.

The Chinese zodiac years chart below, numerating the most recent Chinese zodiac years, can help you confirm your zodiac sign as soon as possible without using any Chinese zodiac calculators.

Chinese Horoscope 2026 for Zodiac Signs

2026 is coming towards us. This new year is full of challenges and opportunities for every zodiac sign. But there are still 5 lucky Chinese zodiac signs in 2026, including Dragon, Goat, Tiger, Dog, and Snake. These animals will enter a relatively stable and smooth year. You may wonder what is my Chinese zodiac horoscope. The content below can help you learn more about the year of the Snake horoscope.

Rats’ Horoscope 2026

In 2026, you might offend the God of Tai Sui. Your career, life, and interpersonal relationships may all face significant turning points and challenges. Avoid making impulsive decisions and always think twice before acting. The financial luck will fluctuate greatly. Investments require extreme caution. In love, there is an increase in conflicts, and it becomes easier to have arguments with your significant other. You may face more pressure. Pay attention to rest and emotion management.

Oxen’s Horoscope 2026

Be careful not to offend Tai Sui. Your work progress may be hindered. Be cautious with your words and actions, and avoid getting involved in disputes. Try to manage your finances with caution. In terms of relationships, communication is key, and you should be more tolerant and understanding of the other party. Pay attention to the gastrointestinal digestive system, and have a regular diet. There is a lot of mental stress, so it's necessary to relax.

Tigers’ Horoscope 2026

You may receive protection from Tai Sui, with good luck. You can gain the appreciation of your superiors or receive assistance from others, which increases your opportunities in your career. 2026 is suitable for exploring new projects and learning new skills. You will enjoy a steady stream of wealth. Single individuals have a high chance of finding a partner. Married people enjoy a happy relationship.

Rabbits’ Horoscope 2026

For people born in the Year of the Rabbit, your career in 2026 will be relatively stable. This year, special attention should be paid to interpersonal relationships and financial damages. Avoid squandering money. In love, there are mixed feelings. Due to the influence of offending Tai Sui, you may experience fluctuations and unstable. The health condition is not optimistic. You need to improve your physical fitness and undergo regular check-ups.

Dragons’ Horoscope 2026

In 2026, it will be a year filled with challenges and opportunities. Your career and financial situation will be relatively favorable, but you may encounter difficulties in your relationships. In your career, you have a strong execution ability to complete tasks excellently. If there are opportunities for promotion or showcasing talent, it is advisable to actively strive for them. Married people should pay attention to communication and avoid neglecting their partners due to being too busy. Pay attention to your health.

Snakes’ Horoscope 2026

Your luck with career will see a positive development in the year 2026. Be cautious in investment and money management. Although there are excellent investment opportunities, there are also risks. It is recommended to conduct in-depth research and seek professional advice. Strengthen physical health care and emotional communication.

Horses’ Horoscope 2026

This is your Ben Ming Nian year. Your career and financial situation are relatively stable. Learn from experienced colleagues and build good relationships with new colleagues. Investment should be conservative to avoid getting into trouble. Your emotions are unstable, and it is prone to conflicts with your partner. Health is of the utmost importance.

Goats’ Horoscope 2026

This year is extremely favorable for you. You are able to turn ill luck into good. It would be a year of good fortune and contentment. It is easy to get help from others in your career. New development opportunities have emerged. Hard work will bring rich rewards. The relationship is harmonious and sweet. Single individuals are highly likely to meet the right person and have stable relationships. You will be in a state of joy, with good health.

Monkeys’ Horoscope 2026

This year, you have a very busy schedule at work and are full of challenges. However, as long as you respond positively, you can achieve growth. You need to invest carefully. Making money through professional skills is the most reliable way. Due to being busy with work, it is easy to overlook emotional management. You need to set aside time to spend with your family and partner. You will be under a lot of pressure, so you need to learn to adjust yourself and do more exercise.

Roosters’ Horoscope 2026

The overall fortune is good, especially the luck with love is extremely strong. More social interaction can bring new opportunities. Those engaged in sales, public relations perform particularly well. Your fortune in wealth will improve in 2026. Your health is in good condition. The good fortune of wealth will give you great strength. But pay attention to regular work and rest, and maintain good living habits.

Dogs’ Horoscope 2026

Your career is going well, but be brave enough to showcase yourself. Your career will bring about financial prosperity and increase your income. Your wealth will accumulate very smoothly in 2026. It is very necessary to learn to manage your wealth. Relationships are stable, allowing you to devote more energy to your career. Pay attention to health problems caused by overwork and balance work and rest.

Pigs’ Horoscope 2026

In 2026, your luck with your career will finally stabilize, and you may encounter a savior who helps your career. As your job becomes stable, your income will gradually increase. It is not advisable to engage in high-risk speculation; instead, prudent money management is better. Your health condition is relatively stable. Maintain a reasonable diet and exercise appropriately.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility

Chinese zodiac love compatibility between zodiac love matches is derived from San He (Three Harmonies) and Liu He (Six Harmonies), a big part of Chinese astrology. Both groups are positive and compatible, but the former, Three Harmonies, is better than the latter, Six Harmonies.

The Chinese zodiac compatibility chart below can be your reference to check out who is your Mr./ Ms. Right in love, friendship, and career.

The San He Group

Chinese zodiac signs are categorized into 4 groups, called the Three Harmonies (San He), which are also recognized as the best compatibility compared with other zodiac animals. They can improve each other and make things better, bringing positive effects and good luck to the opposite side.

The Liu He Group

Chinese zodiac signs are paired with each other two by two, which is called the Six Harmonies group (Liu He), and is considered the second-best compatibility. Zodiac signs in the Liu He group are complementary to one another in personality and fortune.

Chinese Zodiac Signs and Elements

It is believed in Chinese astrology that the world is related to the Five Elements, composed of Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Water. And Chinese zodiac elements differ from each other.

Chinese Zodiac Signs Personalities

The zodiac sign in Chinese astrology plays an important role in traditional Chinese culture. It is believed that people carry the same characteristics as their corresponding animals in their birth years. Each zodiac sign has different traits from the other.

Rat Personality: Agile, resourceful, prudent, and diligent could usually be used to describe Rat people. The Rat is thrifty and adept at managing money. They are also versatile and observant, which offers you an edge to slide all kinds of social situations.

Ox Personality: Oxen's traits are steady, hardworking, and patient. They are down-to-earth and responsible, so they prefer a stable life and are extremely loyal to family and friends.

Tiger Personality: Tigers are passionate, ambitious, and with a strong sense of responsibility, they will always go all out to work. At the same time, they treat friends sincerely and are warm-hearted.

Rabbit Personality: Rabbits are popular with friends. They are compassionate and sincere. Indulging in comfort, they tend to avoid conflict.

Dragon Personality: With natural leadership and charisma, Dragons are witty and have flexible minds, strong learning abilities, and have high acceptance of new things.

Snake Personality: Snakes tend to be wise, elusive, charming, flexible, and gregarious. They are intuitive enough to see through others.

Horse Personality: Horse people are sociable, eloquent, generous to others, and have a big heart, which helps them make friends easily.

Goat Personality: Goats treat friends amicably. They are good listeners, excelling at listening to others and minding their feelings. But they are insecure sometimes.

Monkey Personality: Monkey is sharp and smart. They are energetic and willing to please others.

Rooster Personality: Roosters are diligent and ambitious, not satisfied with the current situation. And they are insightful enough to observe every detail.

Dog Personality: People under the zodiac Dog are faithful and loyal, but not good at finding partners. Sensitive and their mood swing sometimes.

Pig Personality: Pigs are empathetic and helpful. They will offer help when others are stuck in tough situations. Seeing problems from a positive angle. It is believed that the dilemma is temporary and can be fixed.

Chinese Zodiac Signs: Lucky & Unlucky Things

Lucky Things

Unlucky Things

What is the Luckiest & Unluckiest Chinese Zodiac Sign?

The Luckiest Chinese Zodiac Sign

In Chinese culture, people believe that the Dragon, Pig, and Rat are the top 3 luckiest zodiac animals.

In ancient times, the Dragon was considered the symbol of nobility and good luck. People born in the year of the Dragon are usually confident, with inborn leadership and ambition, which puts them into the limelight. And they excel at achieving goals with their capability.

As the previous sign of luck, Pig natives are blessed. They are naturally positive and easily satisfied, which helps them handle troubles lightly. Pig people tend to live in a comfortable way, so they are seldom concerned about trivial things. Sincerity and goodness help them easily gain help and support from others.

Rat is also one of the most popular zodiac signs. People with the Rat sign are usually astute, insightful, and resilient. No matter where they are, they can find opportunities to survive and develop, and at the same time, their wit allows them to harvest a lot in their career and wealth.

The Unluckiest Chinese Zodiac Sign

The short answer is the Goat. There is a traditional saying going like “Nine out of ten people born in the year of the Goat have an unlucky life.” (十羊九不全), which is widely spread. It is said that in the late Qing Dynasty (1840-1912), those in power, like Empress Dowager Cixi, were Goats, who were seen as the ones leading to the country’s decay. It is an outdated point of view, but it reflects the social reality of that time. The Goat sign historically carried good meaning, the symbol of kindness, wealth, and filial piety.

Chinese Zodiac Story – Reasons for Zodiac Ranking

There is a great race story of the Chinese zodiac circulated among folks. Jade Emperor (Yu-huang-ti) wanted to hold a competition to choose guards. According to the sequence of arrival, the first 12 contestants will be selected. After the news spread, all kinds of creatures came to participate in the competition to strive for the first twelve ones passing through the Heavenly Gate.

Both Ox and Rat get up early and are the first animals to start the journey. On the way to the Gate, Rat jumped on Ox’s back to cross the river. When getting close to the Gate, Rat jumped off its back and rushed up to the Jade Emperor. That’s why the Rat ranks first place, and the Ox ranks second. The Pig was naturally casual and slightly lazy, therefore, he was the last one to arrive.

This Chinese zodiac origin story was widely spread in China. Although lacking evidence, it will be fun to tell your family and friends.

Why is the Cat not in the Chinese Zodiac?

After learning the story, you may wonder why the Cat does not exist in the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. It is said that the Cat has made a deal with the Rat that they will participate in the race competition together. But the Rat wanted to possess the position, but he did not wake the Cat up, so the Cat missed the match, and could not get a ranking. And the Rat won first place. After that, the Cat holds grudges against the Rat. Once he sees the Rat, he will chase and bite. The Rat runs anywhere when the Cat shows up.

Chinese Zodiac in Other Asian Countries

Chinese culture, especially the Chinese zodiac signs, has a significant impact on other Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Cambodia, and Mongolia. Some of those countries have the same sequence as the Chinese ones, while several countries are different from others.

The Chinese zodiac signs in order are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. South Korea, North Korea, and Cambodia keep the ranking in the same way. Japanese zodiac signs are also arranged in the same sequence.

Vietnamese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In Vietnam, the Rabbit was replaced with the Cat, and the Buffalo replaced the Ox. People in Vietnam believe that Cats are naturally calm and positive, which can drive bad luck away.

Indian zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Lion, Rabbit, Mahoraga (Boa Constrictor), Naja (Cobra), Horse, Goat, Monkey, Redpoll, Dog, and Pig. In India, their zodiac signs are associated with religion, stemming from 12 mythical creatures.

Cambodian zodiac signs in order are: Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, and Rat, which have the same ranking, but the Rat ranks last.

What’s the Difference between Chinese Zodiac and Western Astrology?

When it comes to the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, most people also think of the Star zodiac signs in Western astrology. The similarity between them is that they are set by the birthday. And 12 symbols have relevance to people’s fortunes and traits.

But they stem from totally different astrological theories. Chinese zodiac signs are derived from China and are based on animals, which are closely related to an agricultural society and play an important role in Chinese culture. The race story was popularly circulated in China and considered the reason for the Chinese zodiac animals’ ranking.

Western astrology is set by relations between constellation positions and the Earth, which originated from Greek mythology. It later developed into an astrological theory based on people’s birthdays.

Although the two systems symbolize different characteristics and fortunes, the Chinese zodiac signs are generalized and used to infer one’s personality and fortune. And it is calculated by birth years. However, the Western zodiac emphasizes individual mentality and behavior, which is based on birth months.