Chinese zodiac: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	Sheng Xiao • Shu Xiang

Photos and Videos

Circular illustration of the Chinese zodiac with animal symbols, including dragon, snake, horse, and tiger, arranged around a central yin-yang symbol on a purple patterned background.

Late 18th-century Tibetan manuscript showing colorful illustrations of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, each surrounded by handwritten script and calendar markings.

Chart showing the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac-rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig-each with a list of corresponding years in the 12-year cycle, along with color-coded elements: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.

The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.

An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.

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