Chinese zodiac · 辰 · chén
Year of the Dragon
Quick answer
Recent Dragon years: 2000, 2012, and 2024; the next begins in 2036. Each one starts at Lunar New Year, between January 21 and February 20, so a birthday early in the year may belong to the year before. In the classical tables the best matches for the Dragon are Rooster (six harmony) and Monkey and Rat (three harmony), and its clash is Dog.
Earthly branch
辰 · chén
Fixed element
Earth
Yin or yang
Yang
Double hour (時辰)
07:00–09:00
Personality
The Dragon is the only mythical animal of the twelve, and in Chinese culture a deeply auspicious one: a bringer of rain and good fortune, not a monster. Dragon people are often described as charismatic, ambitious and big-hearted.
辰 is the earth of late spring that holds water, the moment before summer. Dragons tend to think big, rise to a challenge and light up a room, and Dragon years have long been popular years for a new baby in Chinese families.
Strengths
- Charismatic and confident
- Ambitious vision
- A generous spirit
- Rises to a challenge
Growing edges
High standards can turn into impatience. Dragons grow by letting others shine, and by accepting help.
Love and friendship
Dragons love grandly and loyally. They are often drawn to people who admire their fire but also have a life and a voice of their own.
Compatibility
Chinese astrology pairs the twelve branches in a few classical ways. They describe tendencies between birth years, never a verdict on two real people: a full chart, and the people themselves, say much more.
Six harmony (六合)
Branches that combine as a pair. Traditionally the easiest, most complementary bond.
Animals four years apart that together form a frame of water. Traditionally read as kindred spirits and natural allies.
Clash (六沖)
The animal six years away, opposite on the circle. Traditionally read as different rhythms: friction for some pairs, a useful balance for others.
Harm (六害)
A subtler mismatch in the classical tables, often read as small misunderstandings that ask for patience.
Dragon years, 1900–2099
Each year runs from Lunar New Year to the eve of the next. Its element comes from the year’s heavenly stem, so the same element and animal return every sixty years.
| Year | Dates | Stem and branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1904 | Feb 16, 1904 – Feb 3, 1905Wood · Yang | 甲辰jiǎ chén |
| 1916 | Feb 3, 1916 – Jan 22, 1917Fire · Yang | 丙辰bǐng chén |
| 1928 | Jan 23, 1928 – Feb 9, 1929Earth · Yang | 戊辰wù chén |
| 1940 | Feb 8, 1940 – Jan 26, 1941Metal · Yang | 庚辰gēng chén |
| 1952 | Jan 27, 1952 – Feb 13, 1953Water · Yang | 壬辰rén chén |
| 1964 | Feb 13, 1964 – Feb 1, 1965Wood · Yang | 甲辰jiǎ chén |
| 1976 | Jan 31, 1976 – Feb 17, 1977Fire · Yang | 丙辰bǐng chén |
| 1988 | Feb 17, 1988 – Feb 5, 1989Earth · Yang | 戊辰wù chén |
| 2000 | Feb 5, 2000 – Jan 23, 2001Metal · Yang | 庚辰gēng chén |
| 2012 | Jan 23, 2012 – Feb 9, 2013Water · Yang | 壬辰rén chén |
| 2024 | Feb 10, 2024 – Jan 28, 2025Wood · Yang | 甲辰jiǎ chén |
| 2036 | Jan 28, 2036 – Feb 14, 2037Fire · Yang | 丙辰bǐng chén |
| 2048 | Feb 14, 2048 – Feb 1, 2049Earth · Yang | 戊辰wù chén |
| 2060 | Feb 2, 2060 – Jan 20, 2061Metal · Yang | 庚辰gēng chén |
| 2072 | Feb 19, 2072 – Feb 6, 2073Water · Yang | 壬辰rén chén |
| 2084 | Feb 6, 2084 – Jan 25, 2085Wood · Yang | 甲辰jiǎ chén |
| 2096 | Jan 25, 2096 – Feb 11, 2097Fire · Yang | 丙辰bǐng chén |
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