Chinese Zodiac
Year of the Dragon
Chen (辰), the 5th of the 12 Earthly Branches.
Quick Answer
People born in the Year of the Dragon include those born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 and 2036, counting from Lunar New Year rather than January 1. The next Year of the Dragon is the Year of the Fire Dragon, from January 28, 2036 to February 14, 2037. The Dragon is ambitious, charismatic, energetic and proud.
Years of the Dragon
Each year starts at Lunar New Year. If your birthday falls before the start date, you belong to the previous animal.
| Year | Sexagenary Name | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 Earth Dragon | Wu Chen (戊辰) | ||
| 1940 Metal Dragon | Geng Chen (庚辰) | ||
| 1952 Water Dragon | Ren Chen (壬辰) | ||
| 1964 Wood Dragon | Jia Chen (甲辰) | ||
| 1976 Fire Dragon | Bing Chen (丙辰) | ||
| 1988 Earth Dragon | Wu Chen (戊辰) | ||
| 2000 Metal Dragon | Geng Chen (庚辰) | ||
| 2012 Water Dragon | Ren Chen (壬辰) | ||
| 2024 Wood Dragon | Jia Chen (甲辰) | ||
| 2036 Fire Dragon | Bing Chen (丙辰) | ||
| 2048 Earth Dragon | Wu Chen (戊辰) |
Every Dragon year from 1900 to 2100 is in the full table.
Dragon Personality
The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the cycle and is traditionally the most auspicious. It is associated with vitality, vision and a larger-than-life presence, along with pride and impatience with limits.
Strengths: Vision, confidence, drive, magnetism. Challenges: Arrogance, impatience, a short temper.
The year element adds its own color: a Fire Dragon is more outgoing and a Water Dragon more reflective. Find your element by birth year in the table above.
The Dragon in the Year of the Fire Horse
In the current Year of the Fire Horse (February 17, 2026 to February 5, 2027), the Dragon is not in conflict with Tai Sui. Its relationship with the Horse year sign is neutral.
Dragon Compatibility
The Dragon's best matches are the Rooster, Rat and Monkey (Six Harmonies with the Rooster, the Water trine with the Rat and Monkey). Its classical clash is with the Dog.
| Sign | Relationship | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster | Six Harmonies (Liu He) | The closest classical pairing: complementary and supportive. |
| Rat | Trine (San He) | Natural allies that share an element and a way of working. |
| Monkey | Trine (San He) | Natural allies that share an element and a way of working. |
| Tiger | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Snake | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Horse | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Goat | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Pig | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Ox | Break (Liu Po) | Minor friction that can disrupt plans. |
| Rabbit | Harm (Liu Hai) | Subtle misunderstandings that need patience. |
| Dog | Clash (Liu Chong) | Opposite signs: strong attraction or friction, rarely indifference. |
Are You a Dragon?
Check a birthday against the exact Lunar New Year date.
The Other Animals
Questions About the Dragon
What Years Are the Year of the Dragon?
People born in the Year of the Dragon include those born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 and 2036, counting from Lunar New Year rather than January 1. The next Year of the Dragon is the Year of the Fire Dragon, from January 28, 2036 to February 14, 2037. The Dragon is ambitious, charismatic, energetic and proud.
What Is the Dragon Personality in the Chinese Zodiac?
The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the cycle and is traditionally the most auspicious. It is associated with vitality, vision and a larger-than-life presence, along with pride and impatience with limits. Strengths: Vision, confidence, drive, magnetism. Challenges: Arrogance, impatience, a short temper.
Who Is the Dragon Most Compatible With?
The Dragon's best matches are the Rooster, Rat and Monkey (Six Harmonies with the Rooster, the Water trine with the Rat and Monkey). Its classical clash is with the Dog.
Is the Dragon in Conflict With Tai Sui This Year?
In the current Year of the Fire Horse (February 17, 2026 to February 5, 2027), the Dragon is not in conflict with Tai Sui. Its relationship with the Horse year sign is neutral.
I Was Born in January or February. Am I a Dragon?
Your Chinese zodiac animal changes at Lunar New Year, not on January 1. Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, between January 21 and February 20, so anyone born in January or early February may belong to the previous year's animal. BaZi (Four Pillars) charts use a second boundary, the solar term Li Chun (Start of Spring), on February 3, 4 or 5. Look up your exact birth date to see both.
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