Top 10 China tours 2023/2024 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience.Learn more
Year of the Rat

Year of the Rat

Written byFercility JiangUpdated Aug. 29, 2023

Years of the Rat in Chinese zodiac are2032,2020,2008,1996,1984,1972,1960,1948,1936...The Rat is thefirst zodiac signin theChinese zodiaccycle. A Rat year occurs every 12 years.

According to the Chinese zodiac story, in the competition held by the Jade Emperor to decide the zodiac animals, thequick-witted ratasked thediligent oxto take him on a ride to cross the river and jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line. Thus the rat won the race and became the first of the zodiac animals, followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

  • Chinese: 鼠年 (shǔ nián 'Rat year')
  • Earthly Branch: 子 (zǐ 1st of 12)
  • Representing hours: midnight hours (11pm–1am)
  • Yin/yang: yang

Content Preview

How did the Rat become the first sign in Chinese zodiac? The video below will tell you the story.

Was I Born in a Year of the Rat?

Recent years of the Rat include 2032, 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948 and 1936. A new Chinese zodiac year starts in January or February according to the lunar calendar. Therefore, if you wereborn in January or Februaryin one of the above years, you might be a Rat, or possibly a Pig.

You can use our free Chinese zodiac sign calculator to be sure or see the table below.

In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements:Wood,Fire,Earth,Gold (Metal), and. Each Rat-element year corresponds with an element and comes once in a 60-year cycle. For example, 2020 was a year of the Metal Rat. The next Metal Rat year is 2080.

Chinese Zodiac Sign Calculator

Choose your date of birth and find out about your Chinese zodiac sign.

Year of the Rat Dates

Rat Year Date Element
2032 Feb. 11, 2032 – Jan. 30, 2033
2020 Jan. 25, 2020 – Feb. 11, 2021 Metal (Gold)
2008 Feb. 7, 2008 – Jan. 25, 2009 Earth
1996 Feb. 19, 1996 – Feb. 6, 1997 Fire
1984 Feb. 2, 1984 – Feb. 19, 1985 Wood
1972 Feb. 15, 1972 – Feb. 2, 1973
1960 Jan. 28, 1960 – Feb. 14, 1961 Metal (Gold)
1948 Feb. 10, 1948 – Jan. 28, 1949 Earth
1936 Jan. 24, 1936 – Feb. 10, 1937 Fire
1924 Feb. 5, 1924 – Jan. 23, 1925 Wood

The Rat's Personality and Characteristics

Rat's Personality

Rats are quick-witted, resourceful, and smart but lack courage. With rich imaginations and sharp observations, they can take advantage of various opportunities well.

In Chinese culture, rats representworking diligentlyandthriftiness, so people born in a Rat year are thought to bewealthyandprosperous.

Men born in a Rat yearare very curious so they tend to try their hands at anything and they can deal with tasks skillfully.

Due to a lack of courage, as well as good command skills, they are not capable of being leaders. Opportunistic and picky as male Rats are, they do not have broad minds but take a narrow view of things.

Women born in a Rat yearare pretty, smart, and lovely. They have quick minds and dexterous hands, and are able to learn anything. They are always considerate of their families and friends.

It is theorized that a person's characteristics are decided by their birth year's zodiac animal sign and element. So there are five types of Rat, each with different characteristics:

Element Characteristics
Wood Rat Independent, self-confident, virtuous and talented, with a strong sense of teamwork
Fire Rat Energetic, brave, quiet, cordial and friendly to their friends, but very strict with themselves
Earth Rat Amiable, honest, flexible, modest, serious, with a strong sense of self-esteem
Gold Rat Smart, talented, hot-tempered, jealous, with a strong sense of self-awareness
水Rat Talkative, shrewd, conservative, and wise

SeeChinese Zodiac Rats of 5 Elements: Characters and Destinies.

Rat's Love Compatibility

The Rat's Love Compatibility

Chinese astrology states that certain zodiac animal combinations get along better than others, and that some animal signs are natural enemies.

中国的星座动物的兼容性达克es the characteristics of each animal into account. Those whose characteristics match well can have good compatibility.

Most compatible zodiac signs with a Rat: Rat, Ox, Dragon, or Monkey

  • The Rat and Ox have complementary characters and will help each other in their work and home lives.
  • The Rat and Dragon will have a good relationship and support each other.
  • Couples including a Rat and a Monkey will get along well and be happy.

Least compatible zodiac signs with a Rat: Rabbit, Horse, or Rooster

  • A Rat clashes easily with a Rabbit, a Horse or a Rooster. They lack tolerance toward each other and it's hard to sustain a lasting peace.

Want to know if she/he is compatible with you? Use our zodiac love compatibility calculator below. Or you can check the12 Chinese zodiac signs' love compatibilityin detail.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Calculator

Enter date of birth and test now
Boy's date of birth:
Girl's date of birth:

幸运的Things for People Born in a Year of the Rat

lucky Things for the Rats

幸运的things for Rats:

  • 幸运的numbers:2, 3, and numbers containing them (like 23 and 32)
  • 幸运的days:the 4th and 13th of every Chinese lunar month
  • 幸运的颜色:blue, gold, green
  • 幸运的flowers:lily, African violet
  • 幸运的direction:west, northwest and southwest
  • 幸运的months:the 2nd, 5th and 9th Chinese lunar months

Unlucky things for Rats:

  • Unlucky color:yellow, brown
  • Unlucky numbers:5 and 9
  • Unlucky direction:south and southeast
  • Unlucky months:the 4th, 10th, and 12th Chinese lunar months

What Are Rats' Horoscope Predictions in 2023?

2023 is a year of the Rabbit. Rats, among the 12 zodiac signs, your sign, the Rat, is 1st and the Rabbit is 4th, and the 1st and 4th branches tend to overcome each other. Therefore, Rat people,you will encounter many difficult troubles in 2023, and your overall horoscope will be one of ups and downs.

Rat people, you need to be cautious and not impulsive in your actions during this year.

Read more onMonthly Horoscope for Rats in 2023.

Best-Suited Careers for Rats

With good insight and a sharp perspective, Rats have good judgment in what they do, which enables them to prevent unnecessary problems. Rats are cautious and meticulous, so they tend to show a serious attitude toward their work.

The best careers for Rats are:

Administrator, director, manager, entrepreneur, broadcaster, writer, musician, stand-up comedian, politician, lawyer, researcher, and racing car driver.

Famous People of Zodiac Rat Year

Good Health for Rats

一般来说,Rats are healthy. They are full of energy and active, which helps them keep fit and avoid illness.

A balanced diet and regular exercise benefit Rats. With enough rest Rats can keep high spirits at work, which can improve work efficiency. When in stressful and tense conditions, Rats are suggested to take a tour to free stress and tension.

Are Rat Years Unlucky Years for Rats?

Are Rat Years Unlucky Years for Rats?

According to Chinese astrology, the year of their birth sign (本命年běnmìngnián /bnn-ming-nyen/ 'origin (of) life year') will bring people nothing but bad luck. It is believed that people will offend Tai Sui, the God of Age, in theirbenmingnian.

Therefore, Rats should pay special attention to avoid misfortune in their lives in the year of their birth sign. The next Rat year is 2032. It starts from the Chinese New Year (February 11). Read more aboutHow to Be Lucky in Your Ben Ming Nian.

How to Build Relationships with Rats

With an active nature,Rats enjoy a flexible social circle. They are interested in attending different kinds of social occasions. They like to make new friends, but they seldom further their relationships with others. Rats have a charming appearance, which can attract more friends.

In love relationships, Rats find iteasy to start a new relationshipwith someone, but theyalso break off relationships easily, which results in trouble with infidelity.

Check Other Chinese Zodiac Animals

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
选择最好的时间去拜访
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors.Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience,more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on