Year of the Dragon (Chinese Zodiac 2024)

According to Chinese zodiac signs, 2024 is the year of Dragon (龙), to be more specifical, a Wood Dragon year. Lunar new year starts from February 10 and ends on January 28, 2025.

Chinese Zodiac Dragon is the fifth of the 12 zodiac animals, following the rat, ox, tiger and Rabbit. People born in the year of Dragon -- an animal no one knows if it existed in real world -- is shrouded in mystery, and very charming. Dragons are usually smart, confident, decisive, dignified, romantic, ambitious, generous, and unpredictable. They could be brave adventurers, and passionate dreamers.

However, when encountering any setbacks, zodiac Dragons are easy to be disheartened and discouraged, and give up their dreams.

chinese zodiac dragon

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  • Chinese Zodiac Dragon Years 
  • Dragon in Chinese Culture
  • Lucky and Unlucky Things for People Born in the Year of the Dragon
  • Chinese Zodiac Dragon Traits and Personality Base on Five Elements
  • Chinese Zodiac Dragon Love Compatibility
  • Guide for Dragons’ Career & Jobs
  • Zodiac Dragon Famous People
  • Dragons’ Horoscope in 2025
  • Chinese Zodiac Dragon Vocabulary & Idioms
  • Chinese Zodiac Dragon Years – Am I a Dragon?

    Back in the pre-Qin period over 2200 years ago, there was already the Chinese zodiac signs theory, So it is reasonable that Chinese Zodiac years are in sync with the beginning of Chinese Lunar New Year. If you have an idea of Lunar Calendar, you will know a Chinese zodiac year often start from late January and ends in middle February of the next year.

    Therefore, to see what your Chinese zodiac animal is, or to confirm whether you are a dragon, you need to change your Gregorian calendar birthday to Lunar Calendar of the year you were born. For example, if you were born on February 16, 1988 (a year of Dragon), the Lunar New Year’s Eve, which was so very close to Dragon year, but you are a Rabbit.

    In addition to 1988, do you know any other Chinese zodiac years of Dragon? We have a formula for calculating zodiac dragon years. That is any year with a remainder of 8 divided by 12 is the year of the Dragon (because Chinese zodiac signs go 12 years in a cycle). For example, 2024÷12= quotient, and the remainder is 8, so 2024 is the zodiac year of the Dragon. Recent Chinese zodiac Dragon years include 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, etc.

    What’s also worth mentioning is that if two people were born in the different Dragon years, according to Chinese zodiac signs, they may have very different traits, personalities, and horoscope, due to the Five Elements, which are Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Each element comes in a 60-year cycle. 2024 is a Wood Dragon year, and next Wood Dragon year will be 2084.

    Finally, we answer the question, “am I a Dragon? If you were born in 1964 or 1988 (or other zodiac years of Dragon), you are most likely a Dragon, but there is also chance you are a Rabbit. With the table of the exact start date and end date of recent Dragon zodiac years, you can have a clear idea whether you are a Dragon.

    Recent Chinese Zodiac Dragon Years

     Dragon Years Start Date End Date Element
     1928 February 23,1928 January February 9, 1929 Earth Dragon
     1940 February 9,1940 January 26,1941 Metal Dragon
     1952 January 27,1952 February 13,1953 Water Dragon
     1964 February 13,1964 February 1,1965 Wood Dragon
     1976 January 31,1976 February 17,1977 Fire Dragon
     1988 February 17,1988 February 5,1989 Earth Dragon
     2000 February 5, 2000 January 23, 2001 Metal Dragon
     2012 January 23, 2012 February 9, 2013 Water Dragon
     2024 February 10, 2024 January 25, 2025 Wood Dragon
     2036 January 28, 2036 February 14, 2037 Fire Dragon

    Chinese Zodiac Calculator

    Select your date of birth and find out your Chinese zodiac sign.

    Chinese Zodiac Dragon in Chinese Culture

    Dragon, phoenix, turtle and Qilin were regarded as four auspicious spirits in ancient China. There are myths and legends of phoenix, qilin, dragon in ancient classics, like Classics of Mountains and Seas, but most people think they were imaginary. Only the Dragon among the 12 Chinese zodiac animals is “invented”, but it plays a crucial role in Chinese culture.

    1. The symbol of China

    For thousands of years, the dragon has been part of Chinese civilization and has become the symbol of China and the Chinese culture. The Chinese call themselves "descendants of the dragon". The dragon totem and painting are the most commonly seen ornaments the overseas Chinese community.

    2. Ancient emperors were called the real Dragon - Son of Heaven

    The reason why the dragon is revered by the Chinese people is that it has a close connection with the formation of Chinese civilization. In the era of gods, that is, the legendary "Five Emperors" period of ancient Chinese history, those heroes-- Huangdi, Zanxu, Emperor Ku, Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun, Emperor Yu--who promoted the accumulation of Chinese civilized factors, all have connection with the dragon in one way or another. In most of later dynasties of Chinese history, the kings were regarded as the real dragon – Son of Heaven.

    In traditional Chinese culture, dragon can be summarized as water-loving, good at flying, a communication bridge between gods and human, fickle, supernatural, and auspicious.

    3. Family of the Dragon

    Legend has that the Dragon has nine sons, who are 1) Qiu Niu (囚牛), a musical lover that can often be seen on the Chinese musical instruments; 2) Ya Zi (睚眦), often carved on the knife handle and sword scabbard; 3) Bi An (狴犴), adventuresome, often carved on the corners of ancient Chinese architectures; 4) Suan Ni (狻猊), looking like a lion, often seen on a Buddha’s seat or censer in the temples; 5) Tao Tie (饕餮), perhaps the earliest and most famous foodie in China; 6) Jiao Tu (椒图), often see on a traditional Chinese door; 7) Bi Xi (赑屃), the Chinese Hercules in a shape, 8) Chi Wen (螭吻), and 9) Pu Lao (蒲牢).

    Lucky and Unlucky Things for People Born in the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dragon

    Chinese zodiac animal - dragon

    Things to Bring Dragon Good luck

  • Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 8 and numbers containing 1, 8 or 6, like 16, 26
  • Lucky numbers for wealth: 1, 6
  • Lucky numbers for career: 2, 7Lucky Numbers for love: 2, 10
  • Lucky days: the 1st, 16th of every Chinese lunar month
  • Lucky colors: yellow, green, red, purple, brown
  • Lucky flowers: Forget-me-not, violet
  • Lucky direction: east, northeast
  • Lucky months: the 2nd, 3rd, and 7th Chinese lunar months
  • Lucky stones: red quartz rutilated, amethyst, topaz
  • Lucky places: range, village, bank
  • Things to Bring Dragon Bad Luck

  • Unlucky colors: green, black
  • Unlucky numbers: 4, 9
  • Unlucky directions: west, north, northwest
  • Unlucky months: the 1st and 6th Chinese lunar months
  • Chinese Zodiac Dragon Traits: Wise, Strong-minded, Ambitious, Confident...

    Time to learn the zodiac Dragon personality. People born in the year of Dragon are energetic, aspiring, romantic, strong self-respect, and a bit vain. Besides that, they are honest, forthright and sincere, and always turn their nose at dirty tricks. 

    According to Chinese zodiac signs, Dragons are highly capable, intelligent, and born to lead, with their own inner-direct opinions. And, they can think independent in the early years. Because they are too confident, they tend to encounter more small setbacks. but as long as a Dragon can hold on with their inborn strong will and don’t give up, they can learn lessons from setbacks, keep forging ahead, and succeed in the middle and late period of life.  

    Strengths of Dragon:

  • Zodiac Dragon people usually have a positive and optimistic personality. They are very responsible, courageous, and highly motivated; 
  • A natural leader;
  • They are usually energetic and can play a pioneering role in both work and life.
  • Warm, enthusiast, extroverted, very popular and charismatic;
  • They have exuberant enterprising spirit, noble ideals, and work with conscientious and responsibility.
  • Weakness of Dragon:

  • Strong self-esteem may lead to vain;
  • Too much confidence leads to self-conceit, and make Dragons not easy to accept defeat;
  • A Dragon is too stubborn to admit that he/she is wrong;
  • While being crave for greatness and success, Dragons are prone to doing things by halves;
  • Self-centered, always like to do things according to their own ideas, do not listen to others’ opinions;
  • Lack of patience;
  • Male Dragon Personalities

    Men born in the Chinse zodiac year of Dragon are unusually intelligent, talented, aggressive and self-conscious. They are ambitious in work, can play a pioneering role, are always optimistic, passionate, aspiring, and extremely diligent. A great leader of natural talent and quality, a Dragon seems to have a never-ending energy and drive. They also have noble faith, and are very honest, and decisive. Male Dragons seem to be domineering, but exclusive and generous to lovers and brothers. What’s more, most male Dragons are very good with money.

    Chinese zodiac dragon Love Compatibility

    Female Dragon Personalities

    In Chinese zodiac signs, women born in the year of Dragon are very resolute, brave, clear-headed and intelligent. They tend to dress casually in life and do not care much about their appearance, because their confidence emanating from inside is their biggest charm. Dragon girls advocate women's participation in politics, equality between men and women. Discrimination against women will make female Dragon women furious.

    Dragon girls pay more attention to their career than their relationship. Most of the time, romance is not as important as their career. However, after finding her true love, a Dragon woman can take good care of both her career and family.

    Chinese Zodiac Dragon Five Elements for Five Characteristics

     Elements Characteristics Recent Years
     Fire Dragon Free-hearted, egotistical, aboveboard, conceited 1916, 1976, 2036
     Earth Dragon Curious, aspiring, active, hard-working, but easy to stop halfway 1928, 1988, 2048
     Metal Dragon Unsophisticated, kind-heated, open-minded, direct 1940, 2000, 2060
     Water Dragon Humorous, positive, righteous, and popular 1952, 2012, 2072
     Wood Dragon Introverted, taciturn, passive, but very talented with strong inference capability 1904, 1964, 2024

    Chinese Zodiac Dragon Love Compatibility – Your Most Compatible Zodiacs

    Want to know whether your partner is best for you? The Chinese zodiac signs can help.

    Dragons are open-minded, aboveboard, energetic, and brave. When a Dragon always plays the leading role in work, how they behave in a relationship? What are the best and worst match for the Dragon?

    Best Matches: Rat, Money, Rooster

    Zodiac Rats have strong ability to adapt to the environment and are good at improvising. If a Rat is in love with a Dragon, he/she can help realize a Dragon’s shortcomings, effectively play to a Dragon’s strengths, and help a Dragon achieve a success in career.

    The zodiac Monkey, known as the Great Sage of heaven, can always distinguish right from wrong. Being with the Dragon, a Money helps Dragon to build a home for shelter, and the Dragon can focus on their grand goals.

    The Dragon and the Rooster are one of the most compatible Chinese zodiac signs. Because they have a lot in common. If a Dragon and a Rooster are in a relationship, there seldom quarrel or argue with each other, instead they often share exactly the same opinions.

    Chinese zodiac signs dragon

    Least Matches: Dog, Rabbit, Sheep

    The dragon and the dog have very different personalities, but both vain, pampered and provocative. Even though they share the same goal, they do not share the same understanding and way of pursuing it.

    Rabbit is sweet, gentle and kind, but also very sensitive, and don’t often express true feelings. Besides, they are lacking of a sense of security in love. When a Dragon and a Rabbit is in a relationship, the Dragon thinks the rabbit is too clingy, whilst the Rabbit can’t stand the male chauvinism of the Dragon.

    Dragons tend to be ambitious for the future, while sheep prefer to live for today. There is a big difference in their outlook on life and relationships. Also, the personality differences between Dragon and Sheep make it difficult for their relationship to work through.

    Dragon’s Love Compatibility with 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals

    RatOxTigerRabbitDragonSnake
    PerfectBadAverageBadBadAverage
    HorseGoatMonkeyRoosterDogPig
    AverageBadGoodWorstPerfectAverage

    Guide for Dragons’ Career & Jobs

    According to Chinese zodiac signs, Dragon have good career prospects and can adapt to almost any occupation during their lives. If they deliberately pursue a career, they seem to easily master and achieve success. If they abandon utilitarianism and pursue some lofty ideals or work in the fields of abstract science or art, they will also succeed

    Since Dragon people are born with smart, meticulous mind, they are usually not suitable to engage in some rigid work in terms of physical labor and mechanical operation. Instead, they tend to choose some jobs that can show their creative ability and thinking ability.

    From art, politics to academia jobs and other spiritual activities of high consciousness, Dragons would like to participate in and never get bored with them. In the field of Chinese literature, if they can take transcendent works as their development direction, they will surely make great achievements.

    Zodiac Dragon is most suitable for jobs like architecture, hardware, managers, designers, sales, military, bars. They are not suitable for jobs like police, real estate agents, painting and calligraphy merchants 

    Zodiac Rabbit Famous People

    Politicians:

  • Vladimir Putin: born on October 7 (the 19th day of the eighth lunar month), 1952, Water Dragon
  • Artists:

  • Diane Kruger: born on July 15 (the 19th day of the sixth lunar month), 1976, Fire Dragon
  • Athletes:

  • Pelé: born on October 23 (the 23rd day of the ninth lunar month), 1940, Metal Dragon
  • Scientists:

  • Sigmund Freud: born on May 6 (the 14th day of the sixth lunar month), 1856, Wood Dragon
  • Zodiac Dragon’s Horoscope in 2025 - Year of the Snake

    In the past year, people who belong to the Dragon zodiac sign have experienced the troubles of their Ben Ming Nian (birth year) in 2024. There were many obstacles in life and work. You might be confused in all aspects and full of panic about the future.

    Fortunately, Dragon people in the Year of the Snake have no conflict with Tai Sui. Things will be smooth in life. In addition, the auspicious star "Tianxi" can bring good luck in career and life to the dragon people. You should cherish the opportunity in 2025.

    It should be noted that although the Year of the Snake is a year of great joy for people born in the Year of the Dragon, the negative interference caused by the unlucky stars cannot be ignored. The arrival of unlucky stars "Guasu" this year will make women born in the Year of the Dragon feel tormented. You may be separated from their boyfriends or husbands, which will put your relationship to the test.

    Therefore, this year Dragons should strengthen the close contact with your partner, be considerate and gentle when communicating, and avoid being unreasonable or suspicious, otherwise it will be a huge blow to the relationship.

    Read the details of Zodiac Dragon’s horoscope in 2025 and follow the advice.

    Career

    People born in the Year of the Dragon will still have many opportunities in 2025, the Year of the Snake. It will be a good year for those who want to change jobs. Under the protection of the auspicious stars "Tianxi" and "Moyue", the Dragon people will have a smooth process in finding a job or seeking cooperation in the coming year.

    You can win the favor of bosses and meet reliable coworkers. As long as you can stay low-key and humble, ask more for advice from others, work hard towards the goal, and don't start at the end, then success will be just around the corner.

    Chinese zodiac dragon horoscope

    Wealth

    After entering the Year of the Snake, the overall financial fortune of the Dragon people will show an improvement trend. Dragons who have invested boldly before will receive a small return in the first half of the year. If you arrange the whereabouts of funds reasonably, do not lend money to others easily, and do not spend carelessly, the overall finances will be relatively stable.

    In the second half of the year, you can invest boldly. If you have certain skills, you can join in technology stocks. This small and broad approach is very suitable for Dragon people, and the income will be very generous. In short, as long as you can control costs and make flexible changes, your wealth performance will be very good this year.

    Love & Relationship

    The highlight of the Dragon people in the Year of the Snake is your romantic gains with ith the help of the auspicious star "Tianxi". Single people have particularly good rapport with the opposite sex. No matter where you go, you can attract attention and have many suitors.

    Married Dragons will have a very close relationship with your lovers and are considerate of each other. Those who are planning to have a baby will be happy to have a successful pregnancy.

    However, female Dragons having a long distance relationship should pay attention to creating opportunities to meet each other, and should not go without contact for a long time; otherwise, the relationship will be in crisis.

    Health

    In 2025, people born in the Year of the Dragon will have a very busy life due to the improvement in their work fortune. You need to pay special attention to the interference caused by the inauspicious star "Bingfu" to the body. Especially Dragons who often need to drive out should be alert while driving to avoid accidental dangers.

    Dragon people with poor physical health or chronic diseases should take good care of yourselves, have regular physical examinations and take medicine, get enough rest, and not put too much pressure on yourselves. In short, people born in the Year of the Dragon should lighten your physical and mental burdens this year and put health first.

    Chinese Zodiac Dragon Vocabulary & Idioms

     Chinese Pinyin English
     生肖 Sheng xiào Chinese Zodiac
     农历生日 Nóng lì shēng rì Lunar Birthday
     你属什么? Nǐ shǔshén me? What is your Chinese zodiac animal?
     我属龙 Wǒ shǔ lóng I am a Dragon in the Chinese zodiac signs
     龙马精神 lóng mǎ jīng shén The vigour of a dragon or horse
     龙飞凤舞 lóng fēi fèng wǔ Lively and vigorous in calligraphy
     生龙活虎 shēng lóng huó hǔ Lively and vigorous in calligraphy
     飞龙在天 fēi lóng zài tiān Flying in the sky
     龙凤呈祥 lóng fèng chéng xiáng Prosperity brought by the dragon and the phoenix (in extremely good fortune)

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