Chinese Zodiac Introduction
The Chinese zodiac, or Shēngxiào, is a 12-year cycle linking each year to an animal symbol: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Rooted in ancient Chinese folklore and astronomy, it assigns distinct personality traits, fortunes, and compatibility to each sign based on one’s birth year.
These animals also correspond to the 12 Earthly Branches, integrating deeply with lunar calendars and traditional festivals like the Lunar New Year. Culturally, the zodiac influences marriage matches, career choices, and annual predictions, reflecting harmony between humanity and cosmic rhythms. Each creature embodies unique virtues—such as the Rat’s wit, the Dragon’s power, or the Pig’s generosity—shaping folk beliefs and artistic motifs. This timeless system remains a vibrant emblem of Chinese cultural identity, blending myth, philosophy, and social customs.
Introduction to the Twelve Zodiac Signs
What is the Rat Zodiac
The Rat (Shǔ in Chinese) is the first animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Rats are deeply revered in Chinese culture, often associated with wealth, surplus, and prosperity due to their ability to thrive in diverse environments. As a yang (positive) sign, the Rat embodies ambition, curiosity, and a knack for seizing opportunities.
Embracing the Rat’s Potential
The Rat’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing ambition with humility. By leveraging their innate intelligence and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Rats can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and embrace opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Ox Zodiac
The Ox (Niú in Chinese) is the second animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing diligence, reliability, and strength. Oxen are revered as symbols of perseverance and groundedness, often associated with agricultural abundance and stability. As a yin (negative) sign, the Ox embodies patience, loyalty, and a methodical approach to life.
Embracing the Ox’s Strength
The Ox’s 2025 journey revolves around balancing stability with adaptability. By leveraging their innate reliability and embracing the Snake year’s creative energy, Oxen can achieve lasting success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Tiger Zodiac
The Tiger (Hǔ in Chinese) is the third animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing courage, authority, and adventurous spirit. Tigers are revered as symbols of power and protection, often associated with military prowess and leadership. As a yang (positive) sign, the Tiger embodies passion, independence, and a fearless approach to challenges.
Embracing the Tiger’s Roar
The Tiger’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing boldness with strategy. By leveraging their innate courage and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Tigers can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Rabbit Zodiac
The Rabbit (Tù in Chinese) is the fourth animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing grace, diplomacy, and creativity. Rabbits are revered as symbols of peace and longevity, often associated with artistic talent and intuition. As a yin (negative) sign, the Rabbit embodies sensitivity, refinement, and a preference for harmony over conflict.
Embracing the Rabbit’s Serenity
The Rabbit’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing creativity with caution. By leveraging their innate intuition and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Rabbits can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Dragon Zodiac
The Dragon (Lóng in Chinese) is the fifth animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing power, nobility, and ambition. Dragons are revered as the only mythical creature in the zodiac, embodying imperial authority and divine favor. As a yang (positive) sign, the Dragon represents charisma, innovation, and a thirst for grand achievements.
Embracing the Dragon’s Fire
The Dragon’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing ambition with humility. By leveraging their innate charisma and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Dragons can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Snake Zodiac
The Snake (Shé in Chinese) is the sixth animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Snakes are revered as symbols of healing, prosperity, and hidden knowledge, often associated with mystical powers and strategic thinking. As a yin (negative) sign, the Snake embodies calmness, introspection, and a mastery of subtle influence.
Embracing the Snake’s Mystique
The Snake’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing intuition with action. By leveraging their innate wisdom and adapting to the Wood Snake year’s energies, Snakes can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Horse Zodiac
The Horse (Mǎ in Chinese) is the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and loyalty. Horses are revered as symbols of victory, perseverance, and unbridled energy, often associated with travel and commerce. As a yang (positive) sign, the Horse embodies enthusiasm, independence, and a thirst for exploration.
Embracing the Horse’s Spirit
The Horse’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing adventure with strategy. By leveraging their innate energy and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Horses can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Goat Zodiac
The Goat (Yáng in Chinese, also translated as Sheep or Ram) is the eighth animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing harmony, creativity, and compassion. Goats are revered as symbols of artistic talent, familial devotion, and peaceful resilience. As a yin (negative) sign, the Goat embodies gentleness, intuition, and a preference for stability over conflict.
Embracing the Goat’s Serenity
The Goat’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing creativity with caution. By leveraging their innate intuition and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Goats can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Monkey Zodiac
The Monkey (Hóu in Chinese) is the ninth animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing cleverness, curiosity, and adaptability. Monkeys are revered as symbols of wit, opportunity, and playful mischief, often associated with innovation and resourcefulness. As a yang (positive) sign, the Monkey embodies charm, agility, and a knack for turning challenges into triumphs.
Embracing the Monkey’s Mischief
The Monkey’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing creativity with strategy. By leveraging their innate wit and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Monkeys can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Rooster Zodiac
The Rooster (Jī in Chinese) is the tenth animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing diligence, honesty, and confidence. Roosters are revered as symbols of punctuality, courage, and protective instincts, often associated with agricultural abundance and family loyalty. As a yin (negative) sign, the Rooster embodies practicality, pride, and a knack for turning chaos into order.
Embracing the Rooster’s Pride
The Rooster’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing confidence with collaboration. By leveraging their innate diligence and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Roosters can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Dog Zodiac
The Dog (Gǒu in Chinese) is the eleventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing loyalty, integrity, and protectiveness. Dogs are revered as symbols of friendship, courage, and moral justice, often associated with guardianship and familial devotion. As a yang (positive) sign, the Dog embodies honesty, dedication, and a knack for creating stable communities.
Embracing the Dog’s Devotion
The Dog’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing loyalty with adaptability. By leveraging their innate integrity and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Dogs can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What is the Pig Zodiac
The Pig (Zhū in Chinese) is the twelfth and final animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing abundance, honesty, and joy. Pigs are revered as symbols of wealth, good fortune, and unconditional kindness, often associated with feasts and familial warmth. As a yin (negative) sign, the Pig embodies generosity, optimism, and a knack for finding beauty in simplicity.
Embracing the Pig’s Abundance
The Pig’s 2025 journey hinges on balancing generosity with discernment. By leveraging their innate kindness and adapting to the Snake year’s energies, Pigs can achieve remarkable success. Remember to nurture relationships, stay grounded in financial decisions, and seize opportunities for growth—both personal and professional.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
Q & A
Asked by Sam from us | June 24,2025 15:52
I want to give my child a Chinese name, for luck
My youngest son was born on June 7th, 2025. How can I give him a Chinese name and what words should I use?
