What is Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. Dating back over 2,000 years, this ancient system continues to influence millions of lives worldwide.

Chinese Zodiac Year 2026

The Year of the Horse brings energy, freedom, and adventure. Discover how this influences all zodiac animals in 2026.

Complete Guide to All 12 Zodiac Animals

Explore the unique characteristics, personality traits, and compatibility of each Chinese zodiac animal.

🐭

Rat

Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

🎯 Personality Traits
Intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful. Rats are quick-witted with excellent memory and natural charm. They achieve success through hard work and persistence.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 2, 3. Lucky colors: Blue, green, gold. Lucky directions: East, southeast.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Dragon and Monkey. Should avoid Horse and Goat relationships.
🐂

Ox

Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033

🎯 Personality Traits
Reliable, determined, and strong-willed. Oxen value tradition and honesty, achieving success through steady effort rather than quick fixes.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 1, 4. Lucky colors: White, blue, yellow. Lucky directions: North, northeast.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Snake and Rooster. Should avoid Sheep and Horse relationships.
🐅

Tiger

Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034

🎯 Personality Traits
Brave, competitive, and unpredictable. Tigers are natural leaders who inspire others with their confidence and charisma.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 4. Lucky colors: Orange, blue, white. Lucky directions: East, southeast.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Horse and Dog. Should avoid Monkey and Snake relationships.
🐰

Rabbit

Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035

🎯 Personality Traits
Gentle, quiet, and elegant. Rabbits are kind-hearted and responsible, preferring harmony over conflict with excellent aesthetic sense.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6. Lucky colors: Pink, red, purple. Lucky directions: East.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Sheep and Pig. Should avoid Rooster and Rat relationships.
🐲

Dragon

Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036

🎯 Personality Traits
Energetic, intelligent, and enthusiastic. Dragons are natural leaders with strong personalities and magnetic presence.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 7. Lucky colors: Gold, silver, white. Lucky directions: East, southeast.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Rat and Monkey. Should avoid Dog and Ox relationships.
🐍

Snake

Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037

🎯 Personality Traits
Wise, intuitive, and sophisticated. Snakes are deep thinkers with excellent judgment and natural psychic abilities.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9. Lucky colors: Red, black. Lucky directions: Southeast, southwest.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Ox and Rooster. Should avoid Pig and Tiger relationships.
🐎

Horse

Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038

🎯 Personality Traits
Energetic, independent, and intelligent. Horses love freedom and adventure, with natural ability to learn quickly.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7. Lucky colors: Brown, yellow, orange. Lucky directions: South, southeast.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Tiger and Sheep. Should avoid Rat and Ox relationships.
🐐

Goat

Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039

🎯 Personality Traits
Gentle, kind, and artistic. Goats are peaceful and honest with strong aesthetic sense, preferring collaboration over competition.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 5. Lucky colors: Green, red, purple. Lucky directions: East, southeast, south.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Rabbit and Pig. Should avoid Ox and Dog relationships.
🐵

Monkey

Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040

🎯 Personality Traits
Intelligent, witty, and versatile. Monkeys are problem-solvers with excellent memory and learning ability.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 1, 7, 8. Lucky colors: Gold, white. Lucky directions: West, northwest.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Dragon and Rat. Should avoid Tiger and Pig relationships.
🐓

Rooster

Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041

🎯 Personality Traits
Confident, hardworking, and observant. Roosters are honest and brave with strong sense of responsibility.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 8. Lucky colors: Gold, brown, yellow. Lucky directions: West, southwest.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Snake and Ox. Should avoid Rabbit and Dog relationships.
🐕

Dog

Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042

🎯 Personality Traits
Loyal, honest, and responsible. Dogs are fair-minded and trustworthy with strong sense of justice.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9. Lucky colors: Red, green, purple. Lucky directions: East, southeast, south.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Tiger and Horse. Should avoid Dragon and Sheep relationships.
🐷

Pig

Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043

🎯 Personality Traits
Generous, compassionate, and honest. Pigs are generous with their time and money, with natural sense of humor.
💰 Lucky Elements
Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8. Lucky colors: Yellow, grey, brown, pink. Lucky directions: North, northeast.
❤️ Compatibility
Most compatible with Rabbit and Goat. Should avoid Snake and Monkey relationships.

Zodiac Compatibility Guide 2026

Most Compatible

🐭🐲 | 🐂🐍 | 🐅🐎 | 🐰🐐 | 🐵🐷 | 🐓🐕

Moderately Compatible

🐭🐵 | 🐂🐓 | 🐅🐕 | 🐰🐷 | 🐲🐵 | 🐍🐓

Challenging Pairs

🐭🐎 | 🐂🐐 | 🐅🐵 | 🐰🐓 | 🐲🐕 | 🐍🐷

Avoid

🐭🐐 | 🐂🐎 | 🐅🐍 | 🐰🐓 | 🐲🐂 | 🐵🐷

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chinese zodiac and how does it work?

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle where each year is represented by a different animal. Your zodiac animal is determined by your birth year, and it influences your personality traits, compatibility with others, and life path according to ancient Chinese philosophy.

How accurate is Chinese zodiac compatibility?

While Chinese zodiac compatibility provides valuable insights into relationship dynamics, remember that successful relationships depend on many factors including communication, shared values, and personal growth. Use zodiac compatibility as guidance rather than absolute predictions.

What makes 2026 the Year of the Horse special?

2026 is the Year of the Horse, bringing themes of energy, freedom, and adventure. This year encourages action, exploration, and breaking free from limitations. Each zodiac animal will experience unique influences based on the Horse's characteristics.

Can I change my zodiac animal or its traits?

Your zodiac animal is determined by your birth year and cannot be changed. However, understanding your zodiac traits can help you work with your natural tendencies to achieve personal growth and success. Focus on developing your strengths while addressing potential challenges.

How do I find my Chinese zodiac animal?

Your Chinese zodiac animal is determined by your birth year in the lunar calendar. If you were born between January 1 and February 18, you may need to check if your year falls in the previous Chinese year. Use our zodiac lookup tool or consult a Chinese calendar.

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