Chinese Zodiac Animals 101: What Year Will 2026 Be?

The Chinese zodiac is something many of us grew up with. It’s more than a fun tradition, it’s part of our identity, passed down through generations. Each year in the Chinese lunar calendar is linked to one of 12 animals, with their own personalities, strengths and symbols. These zodiac signs follow a 12-year cycle, and your birth year determines which one you belong to.

As we head into 2026, you might be wondering what zodiac animal will define the year, and what that means for you or your loved ones. Whether you're deeply familiar with the zodiac or just curious, this guide should give you a good sense of the animal for 2026, and a broader look at what each sign represents. It’s something we’re often asked about in the run-up to Chinese New Year, so we’ve put our experience into this breakdown.

What Animal Is 2026 in the Chinese Zodiac?

2026 will be the Year of the Horse (马, mǎ), starting from 17 February 2026 and lasting until 5 February 2027. Those born within this date range will be considered born in the Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture, horses are seen as energetic, warm-hearted and clever. They’re often thought to be good with people and capable of quick thinking. The horse is the seventh animal in the zodiac cycle, following the snake and preceding the goat.

Years of the Horse include: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

If you were born in any of these years, you’re a horse in Chinese astrology, though you’ll need to check exact dates if your birthday falls early in the year, before the lunar new year begins.

Chinese New Year 2026 Celebrations in Cardiff

Here’s a closer look at each of the 12 zodiac signs, the Chinese characters for each, and their corresponding recent birth years:

Rat (鼠 – shǔ)

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

People born in the Year of the Rat are clever, resourceful and adaptable. In our experience, they’re the ones who always seem to know what’s going on. Rats are known for their quick wit and charm but may also come across as a bit opportunistic if not careful.

Ox (牛 – niú)

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

Steady, reliable, and patient. Oxen are often admired for their strong work ethic and calm presence. Many people in our family hold this sign in high regard for its values of responsibility and loyalty.

Tiger (虎 – hǔ)

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

Tigers are bold and courageous. They’re seen as natural leaders—competitive but also protective. If you’re a Tiger, chances are you’re not afraid to speak your mind or take risks.

Rabbit (兔 – tù)

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

Gentle, kind and elegant, Rabbits are often associated with artistic talent and empathy. In our experience, Rabbit years tend to be calmer and more reflective than others.

Dragon (龙 – lóng)

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

Dragons are powerful, charismatic, and ambitious. It’s the only mythical creature in the zodiac, and in Chinese culture, being born in a Dragon year is seen as particularly lucky. They’re thought to bring strength and good fortune.

Snake (蛇 – shé)

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

Wise, calm and intuitive. Snakes tend to be deep thinkers and are often associated with elegance and mystery. Some of our favourite proverbs come from stories involving this sign.

Horse (马 – mǎ)

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

Horses are energetic, open and fiercely independent. They thrive on movement—both physically and in life. As mentioned, 2026 is a Fire Horse year, adding extra passion and intensity to these qualities.

Goat / Sheep (羊 – yáng)

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

Goats are gentle, creative and kind-hearted. They’re known for being caring and considerate, though sometimes overly sensitive. In our experience, Goat years bring a softer tone to life and community.

Monkey (猴 – hóu)

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

Clever and mischievous, Monkeys are problem-solvers and entertainers. They bring humour, sharpness and a bit of chaos wherever they go—but in a way that’s often endearing.

Rooster (鸡 – jī)

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

Roosters are hardworking and confident, sometimes to the point of being blunt. In the kitchen, we joke that Roosters are the perfectionists—the ones who want every dumpling folded the same way.

Dog (狗 – gǒu)

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

Honest, loyal and grounded. Dogs are known for their protective nature and sense of justice. We often think of Dog-born relatives as the steady rocks in the family.

Pig (猪 – zhū)

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

Pigs are sincere, generous and a bit indulgent. They enjoy the good things in life—especially when it comes to food. In our experience, people born under this sign bring warmth and comfort into the room.

Zodiac Compatibility and Cultural Beliefs

In traditional Chinese beliefs, each zodiac animal has relationships with the others, some pair well, while others may clash. This plays a role in compatibility predictions, both in friendships and romance. For example, the horse tends to get on well with the tiger, goat and dog, but may struggle with the rat or ox.

There are also concepts of the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water), which combine with the zodiac to create a 60-year cycle. So, you might be a metal horse or a wood rabbit, for example, which adds more depth to your sign.

Why It Still Matters Today

Zodiac signs remain deeply woven into Chinese culture. Even among younger generations, it’s common to ask someone their sign and to look at horoscopes during New Year. In Barry and across the UK, we find many families, Chinese or otherwise, take an interest in the zodiac around this time, and we’re always happy to share our experience and knowledge.

If you're preparing for Chinese New Year, check out our full blog on what it’s about, what dishes are eaten and how it’s celebrated: Our Guide to Chinese New Year 2026.

FAQs

What is the Chinese zodiac animal for 2026?

2026 will be the Year of the Horse (马), starting from 17 February 2026.

How do I find out what my Chinese zodiac sign is?

Your sign is based on your birth year, but check the exact lunar calendar dates as the Chinese New Year doesn’t begin on 1 January.

Are Chinese zodiac signs taken seriously?

For many, they’re a meaningful part of cultural tradition. Some see them as fun or symbolic, while others take the characteristics and compatibility more seriously.

Do different regions of China interpret zodiac signs differently?

The core meanings are consistent, but some regional customs and beliefs may vary slightly.

Is the Chinese zodiac used outside of China?

Yes, it’s recognised and celebrated in many East Asian cultures, including in parts of Vietnam, Korea and Malaysia. It’s also embraced by diaspora communities around the world.