Year of the Dragon

People born in the Year of the Dragon possess a charismatic aura, tons of energy, are super intelligent and tend to rock life. Dragons are usually natural talents who use their abilities to become powerful in their corner of the world. They are like born leaders who are always pushing for success—traits that make them thrive in travel experiences that offer prestige and challenge, such as exploring iconic landmarks or participating in ambitious adventure tours. Their perfectionism makes them demanding of others, just as they are of themselves. Occasionally they can be a bit loud and rowdy and they don't like following others or rules, as they believe rules don't always pertain to them. Dragons generally enjoy challenging situations that give them the opportunity to show off their innate talents and skills—whether that’s conquering a tough hike or leading a group tour through a historic site. Although committed relationships are not of the utmost importance to them, they sincerely look for a partner with whom they can comfortably share life's journey, including exciting travel adventures and cultural explorations.

The Story of the Dragon

The Dragon arrived next, coming in 5th in the race. Of course, with its gift of flight, it was strange that it had not come in first. However, the Dragon explained to the Jade Emperor that he had to stop to make rain for the people in the kingdom by using river water and blowing it all over the land. Then, on his way to the finish line, he saw a little helpless Rabbit clinging onto a log so he swooped down and gave it a puff of air so that the poor Rabbit wouldn’t be pulled into the river and could get ashore. After helping the lucky Rabbit get out of the river, the dragon continued toward the finish line, crossing in 5th place.

Years and types

There are five elements that give the Dragon specific characteristics and personality traits beyond its symbol of wealth. The most recent years of the Dragon include 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012. After 2019, the next two years we will be 2024 and 2036.

Famous people born in the year of the Dragon

In Western Countries

Bruce Forsyth (born Feb 22, 1928) was a British presenter, actor, comedian, singer, dancer, and screenwriter whose career spanned more than 70 years. Louis Walsh (born August 5, 1952) is an Irish entertainment manager. Other celebs born in the year of the dragon include Boris Johnson (born July 19, 1964), actor Benedict Cumberbatch (born July 19, 1976), singer Adele (born May 5, 1988).

In China

Pu Songling (born June 5, 1640) was a writer during the Qing dynasty best known as the author of “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio” (Liaozhai zhiyi).

Deng Xiaoping (born Aug 22, 1904) was a very famous and important Chinese politician who was the paramount leader of the People’s Republic of China from 1978 until his retirement in 1989. After Chairman Mao Zedong, Deng led China through far-reaching market-economy reforms.

Hong Yi (born Oct 23, 1880), also known as Li Shutong, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, artist, and art teacher. He was a master painter, musician, dramatist, and calligrapher.

Zhang Zhaozhong (born 1952) is a Chinese military theorist at PLA National Defense University. He holds the rank of rear admiral in the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

Jackson Yee (Yi Yangqianxi, born Nov 28, 2000) is a Chinese singer, dancer, and actor. He represented China at the 2019 ECOSOC Youth Forum.

Personality Traits and Character

Positive personality traits

Courageous, tenacious, confident, successful, decisive, inspiring, imaginative, ambitious, energetic, romantic, exciting, warm-hearted

Among all Chinese zodiac animals, the Dragon is the only imaginary animal and the mightiest of all signs. In ancient times, Chinese people believed that Dragons were able to control everyone and everything with their dominance and ambition. Dragons are natural born leaders - enthusiastic, confident, courageous, talented and highly intelligent individuals who are not afraid of challenges. They are ambitious and passionate people who prefer to live by their own rules and are willing to take risks. Dragons are self-reliant, independent, and determined people who excel in all that they set their minds to. Even when they fail, they are rarely blamed, as their personalities evoke so much respect and admiration that people often look elsewhere to assign blame. They can also be incredibly helpful and enjoy making positive changes for humanity.

Negative personality traits

Dragons are often described as demanding, undiplomatic, short-tempered, dreamy, quirky, hot-headed, intolerant, and impatient. Dragons are sometimes regarded as pushy, irritable, and not open to criticism. They can be stubborn, impatient, and somewhat intolerant of opinions they disagree with. Dragons can be overly direct and undiplomatic, which makes others feel somewhat disrespected. They also find it difficult to open up and trust other people, but once they do, they’ll be a loyal friend for life. Even though Dragons enjoy helping others, they will rarely ask for help themselves.

Exclusive Travel Destinations for the Dragon

You will love touring some places with an atmosphere of profound history and splendid culture. So, send yourself to your spiritual paradise – Beijing. And an alternative getaway is Xi’an. You can learn about history and traditional architecture by visiting these places. If you are interested, please check the Exclusive Travel Destinations for Chinese 12 Zodiac to know more details.

Love and Compatibility

Dragons are great conversationalists, warm-hearted, and generous to their loved ones. They value friendships, family, and relationships as an essential part of a healthy and happy life. While finding the love of their life isn’t the most important goal, they will search hard to find that special person. They can, however, be hesitant to move forward in a relationship and possibly unwilling to make a permanent commitment as they don’t like to give up their independence and have high standards. They usually seek a partner who gives them ample amount of space and respect, yet is romantic and passionate. They can have quick tempers, so their partners also need to be thick-skinned. However, when they do commit, they commit to that person for life. Some Dragons are happier alone, while others love to be surrounded by admirers.

For Men

Dragon men generally enjoy taking their time before committing for life with one person. They can sometimes date for many years before they find the person they want to marry -- and sometimes they decide to never marry. They can normally attract many love interests because of their power and charm and their perfectionist nature can make it difficult for them to find someone with whom they feel comfortable committing.

For Women

Dragon women are charming, often physically attractive, and enjoy flirting and socializing. Their high confidence and strong self-esteem mean they are generally not jealous and don’t tolerate jealous lovers. When they find a great partner, they will often not be public about the relationship until they feel that it will last long term. A Dragon woman looks for a partner who understands her and is not intimidated by her power.

Best Matches: Rat, Monkey, Pig

1. Dragon and Rat

These two signs work well together because they allow each other to maintain their independence and freedom. They are both self-confident and therefore find it easier to trust each other. This powerful couple loves being the center of attention. The Dragon is attracted by the Rat's positive attitude and will be grateful for their loyalty and support. The Rat is active, lively, outgoing, and doesn’t have a problem letting the mighty Dragon take on the dominant role in their relationship.

2. Dragon and Monkey

The Dragon and the Monkey will respect and cherish each other. Both are willing to work hard for a long-lasting and successful relationship. They may help each other in the pursuit of wealth and success in career.

3. Dragon and Pig

The Dragon and the Pig have mostly opposing personalities, but they still share a high degree of romantic potential as their difference complement each other. Both partners are able to be accepting and understanding in a long term relationship. The Pig will admire the Dragon's ambition and will patiently endure the Dragon's shortcomings. The Dragon will appreciate the support and hard work from the Pig.

Worst Matches: Ox, Dog, Sheep

1. Dragon and Ox

The Dragon likes to be the center of attention and be surrounded by friends, while the Ox enjoys spending more time alone. Both signs can be stubborn and have strong characters, so compromise is not easy. Conflicts often arise and neither wants to back down. The Ox can find the Dragon too overbearing and the Dragon will not be able to tolerate the jealous nature of the Ox.

2. Dragon and Dog

This relationship has a high probability of having frequent arguments because of their different personalities. Mostly, the Dragon loves more freedom and independence, but the Dog likes attention and can be prone to jealousy – which the Dragon will not like. The Dog’s loyalty will certainly be appreciated by the Dragon, but the Dragon is often too adventurous for the more down-to-earth Dog who enjoys the comforts of home. The Dragon may also feel the Dog is holding it back from achieving its full potential.

3. Dragon and Sheep

The relationship is dominated by the aggressive Dragon, while the more emotional Sheep needs a lot of time alone for introspection. Also, the Sheep can be prone to jealousy – which the Dragon will not like. Even though the Dragon is attracted to the Sheep's honesty and loyalty, he/she may find the Sheep too lacking in ambition. The Sheep will not like the Dragon’s lack of predictability.

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

Career and Health Outlook

Career

Dragons are born leaders with unique perspectives who are committed, hard-working, energetic, and intelligent. Dragons are success-driven individuals who can be too hard on themselves, so they have to properly balance work and relaxation. They fight for the things they believe in, whether it’s for good or bad. Dragons like to embrace challenges and are willing to take risks, so professions that are difficult and come with a lot of responsibilities are great choices. Dragons rarely can last long in small-time jobs. Good career choices: politician, executive, manager, small business owner, police, military, computer analyst, inventor, engineer, lawyer, journalist, and sales person.

Health

Dragons are full of energy and generally quite healthy. Due to their hard working nature, they can feel overwhelmed or stressed. Dragons are naturally more likely to take risks than other signs, so they're more prone to physical injuries. They could benefit from incorporating moderate physical activity into their lives (brisk walking, yoga, jogging, cycling, and swimming). Eating a healthy and balanced diet, drinking less caffeine and more water, and getting plenty of sleep can help lessen stress and tension headaches.

2026 Dragon Horoscope

2026 Overall: 4/5 stars

People born in the Year of the Dragon will enjoy favorable fortune and deliver outstanding performances in 2026. In terms of career and wealth, opportunities and challenges coexist. They need to face difficulties and setbacks proactively, adjust their strategies, and will also gain returns in financial management and investment. In relationships, however, they will experience ups and downs, and their anxious feelings stem from inner insecurity.

Career: 4/5 stars

People born in the Year of the Dragon will see steady career growth in 2026, making it an ideal time for starting new ventures and learning. Their creativity and talents will become powerful assets. As long as they maintain a flexible and adaptable attitude, it will fuel their career prosperity. Those working in media, education or energy sectors will have plenty of opportunities to shine. Launching cross-border collaborations or communicating with teams from diverse cultural backgrounds will promote mutually beneficial partnerships.

Wealth: 4/5 stars

Financially, people born in the Year of the Dragon will have plenty of opportunities to gain wealth. Whether it is winning the lottery, lucky draws or business opportunities, all of these will bring them substantial profits.

Love: 3/5 stars

Dragons will have mediocre luck in relationships in 2026. Single individuals will find it hard to reach an agreement when dealing with romantic issues, which prevents their relationships from blossoming into something stable. Married people or those in a relationship tend to feel anxious and irritable. They should pay attention to maintaining marital bonds, stay rational and calm when handling relationship problems, and resolve them with a positive attitude.

Health: 3/5 stars

Dragons will have relatively poor health fortune. Both they and their family members are prone to health issues, especially the elderly at home. Regular health checks are necessary. Seek medical attention promptly if any discomfort arises to avoid potential long-term problems.

Year of the Dragon Recommended Itinerary

We recommend this 8-day tour centered on dragon zodiac culture, which links dragon-themed landmarks across two cities, Beijing and Guilin. Visit the Nine-Dragon Walls in the Palace Museum and Beihai Park, and you will grasp what dragons symbolized for ancient royalty. You can also craft dragon-pattern paper-cuts by hand and marvel at the breathtaking sight of "giant dragons coiling around the mountains" at Longji Rice Terraces. Embark on an immersive dragon culture exploration journey, traveling from grand imperial relics all the way to serene pastoral landscapes.

Day 1

When you get to Beijing, check into your hotel and take a break to recover from the long flight. In the evening, you can walk around the hotel at your own pace to take in the peaceful atmosphere of this ancient capital and get ready for the upcoming dragon culture exploration tour.

Day 2

Dragon-shaped caisson ceiling at the Wanchun Pavilion

In the morning, go to Tiananmen Square, where emperors used to hold important ceremonies. Then go to the Palace Museum, which was the imperial palace of China's last dynasty. Here, you'll learn why dragons were important to ancient emperors and how they came to be their symbol.

Pay special visits to the Nine-Dragon Wall in the Palace of Tranquil Longevity to admire the vivid glazed dragon patterns; pause at the Hall of Supreme Harmony to gaze at the majestic and exquisite dragon-carved throne; climb up the Wanchun Pavilion to look up at the delicate dragon-shaped caisson ceiling. Then, wander to the Drum Tower and visit a paper-cutting workshop hidden in the old alley. Follow the intangible cultural heritage artisans to learn dragon-pattern paper cutting, create your own exclusive dragon window decorations by hand, and immerse yourself in the tactile charm of traditional dragon culture.

Day 3

The dragon-patterned colored paintings

In the early morning, stroll through Beihai Park and visit the glazed Nine-Dragon Wall. Different from the one in the Palace Museum, this wall is carved with nine large dragons on both sides, and the rest of the wall is decorated with numerous small dragons, totaling 635. You can try counting them to see how many you can spot.

In the afternoon, move on to the Temple of Heaven. Explore the dragon-patterned colored paintings on the caisson ceiling inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, take a close look at the dragon-relief carvings on the Imperial Way, and listen to the stories about the origin of the dragon totem associated with the Temple of Heaven.

Day 4

Mutianyu Great Wall

Go to the Great Wall of Mutianyu in the morning. Climb to the top and think about how the ancient soldiers who protected the area felt when they saw the Great Wall winding like a giant dragon among the mountains.

Go to the Summer Palace in the afternoon. Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake, look for dragon patterns in the painted decorations of the Long Corridor, find dragon-carved parts in buildings like the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, and enjoy the beauty and grace of dragon elements in this royal garden.

Day 5

You can get to Guilin, a famous city of mountains and rivers in three hours by plane. Take a short break at your hotel, then go for a walk along Zhengyang Street in the evening. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and try real Guilin rice noodles. North Shanhu Road is at the end of the street. From there, you can see the beautiful night view of the Sun and Moon Twin Towers. Later, walk around South Gate Ancient Street and watch local craftsmen make dragon lanterns out of bamboo. You'll be completely immersed in the beautiful night scenery of Guilin.

Day 6

Take a boat from Guilin to Yangshuo in the morning. During the 4–5 hour cruise, enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers along the Li River and the jagged peaks that look like dragons flying over the hills.

In the afternoon, ride your bike along the greenways in Yangshuo's countryside. As you weave through beautiful fields and villages, you might see dragon-shaped decorations hanging on the doors of farmhouses.

If the event happens in the evening, you can watch the Golden Dragon Parade on the Yulong River. Look at the golden dragon flotilla that sparkles as it moves across the river, putting on a dreamy dragon show on the water.

Day 7

In the early morning, depart from Yangshuo for Longji Rice Terraces and start the hiking tour from Ping'an Village to Dazhai Village. Walk among the layered terraces, look far into the distance at the terrace contours that lie like giant dragons coiling around the mountains, and listen to the local Zhuang and Yao people tell the dragon totem legends of Longji Rice Terraces. On the way, visit the ancient villages to learn about the unique inheritance of dragon culture among ethnic minorities. Stay overnight at a characteristic homestay in Longji and fall asleep to the refreshing mountain breeze.

Day 8

Get up early and go to the viewing platform to wait for the sun to rise over the Longji Rice Terraces. When the sun comes up in the morning, golden rays flood the terraces. The winding ridges look like giant dragons wrapped in golden armor. It's a sight that will take your breath away.

After the sun comes up, have breakfast in the style of the area. After that, take a bus to the airport. This interesting, in-depth tour of dragon culture is over, and you'll have great memories of dragon-themed charm to take home.

If you are interested in this tour or have other better ideas, feel free to contact us. We will customize an exclusive dragon culture tour for you based on your preferences.

• Chinese Zodiac
• Year of the Rat
• Year of the Ox
• Year of the Tiger
• Year of the Rabbit
• Year of the Dragon
• Year of the Snake - Zodiac Sign 2025
• Year of the Horse - Zodiac Sign 2026
• Year of the Sheep | Goat
• Year of the Monkey
• Year of the Rooster
• Year of the Dog
• Year of the Pig
• Exclusive Travel Destinations for Chinese 12 Zodiac