The Chinese Zodiac, known as Shēngxiào (生肖), is a 2,300-year-old system that assigns each person an animal sign based on their birth year. More than just folklore, it’s a fascinating blend of astrology, cultural wisdom, and personality science. Let’s break it down in a way everyone can understand—no prior knowledge required!

What Is the Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese Zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to a specific animal. Unlike Western astrology (which focuses on birth months), your Zodiac sign stays the same your entire life. Legend says the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the order of the animals, creating the sequence we know today.

How to Find Your Zodiac Sign？

Your sign depends on your birth year, not the month or day. Use this quick reference table:

Use the table below to find your animal based on your birth year. If you were born in January or February, check the exact Lunar New Year date (changes yearly between Jan 21–Feb 20).

Based on your animal these are considered to be your key traits：

And your associated element contributes the following traits:

• WOOD: Exceptionally gifted, idealists and planners
• WATER: Sympathetic, perfectionist, coordinator
• FIRE: Courageous, passionate, good at research
• EARTH: Kindness, tolerant, honest, leader
• METAL: Determined, persistent, workaholic, manager