The Chinese Zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is a 12-year cycle that assigns Chinese New Year animals to each year. Each animal has unique traits and characteristics, and their position in the zodiac cycle is believed to influence a person’s personality, career, and relationships.
If you’re curious to know which animal represents your birth year, we invite you to use our Chinese Zodiac calculator to find out.
Whether you’re a believer in astrology or simply curious about the cultural significance of the Chinese Zodiac, this page is the perfect place to learn more about the fascinating world of Shengxiao.
Chinese New Year Animals
Animal
Calendar Years
Characteristics
Element
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Clever, quick-witted, resourceful, and adaptable.
Water
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Diligent, dependable, honest, and strong.
Earth
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Brave, confident, competitive, and independent.
Wood
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Gentle, kind-hearted, cautious, and peaceful.
Wood
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Ambitious, confident, charismatic, and passionate.
Earth
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Intuitive, analytical, mysterious, and wise.
Fire
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Energetic, outgoing, intelligent, and adventurous.
Fire
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Gentle, compassionate, creative, and artistic.
Earth
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Clever, witty, curious, and playful.
Metal
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Confident, honest, organized, and hardworking.
Metal
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Loyal, reliable, faithful, and sincere.
Earth
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Kind-hearted, generous, honest, and gentle.
Water
To make it easier for you to find your Chinese Zodiac animal, you can also use our Chinese Zodiac Calculator below:
Chinese Zodiac Calculator
Enter your birth year to find out your Chinese zodiac animal:
The Chinese Zodiac is widely used in East Asian cultures, particularly in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore. It is often consulted for matters such as marriage, business partnerships, and personal relationships. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, people often exchange gifts and greetings based on their animal signs.
The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by one of these twelve zodiac animals. Each animal is believed to have its own set of characteristics that influence the personality and destiny of people born under that animal’s sign. It is also believed that the year of one’s birth sign and the animal signs of other family members can impact one’s fortune and compatibility with others.
It’s worth noting that the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year according to the lunar calendar, usually between late January and mid-February. So, if you were born in January or February, it’s important to check the exact date of the Chinese New Year for your birth year to determine your animal sign accurately.
In Chinese astrology, each of the 12 animal signs is also associated with one of the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal) and a yin or yang polarity, further influencing a person’s personality and destiny.
Ancient Chinese believed the element associated with a particular Chinese zodiac sign is said to affect that sign’s characteristics and shapes the person’s destiny. The combination of the animal sign, element, and polarity creates a 60-year cycle known as the Sexagenary Cycle.
Water is associated with intelligence, intuition, and sensitivity.
Wood is associated with growth, flexibility, and creativity.
Fire is associated with passion, energy, and assertiveness.
Earth is associated with stability, reliability, and practicality.
Metal is associated with strength, determination, and focus.
The elements also follow a cyclical pattern, each element appearing in a set order: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This cycle repeats every 60 years, so each animal sign is associated with an element for a 12-year period, and then the cycle starts again.
Knowing the element associated with your Chinese zodiac signs can provide additional insights into your personality traits, life path, and Chinese zodiac compatibility with other signs. In Chinese astrology, some elements are believed to be more compatible with each other, while others may clash.
The Chinese Zodiac is a fascinating cultural tradition with a rich history and deep symbolism. It provides a unique perspective on personality, destiny, and interpersonal relationships and can be a valuable tool for self-awareness and personal growth.