Year of the Tiger

People born in the Year of the Tiger are strong, brave, and dominant. They can come across as too confident, authoritative, and bossy. They are brave and willing to try new things, so they do well on trips that involve adventure and new experiences, like wilderness treks or exploration tours that push the limits. They don't often leave projects or tasks unfinished. However, they may become aggressive if they feel cornered, or even rough if they’re provoked. They are deeply in touch with their feelings, thus making them awesome lovers or partners—ideal companions for shared tours that blend excitement and emotional connection. They’re all about finding a balance between their domineering and strongly competitive nature and their great need for love, so they bring passion and candor into any relationship. They prefer a stable, peaceful partner who provides support and admiration. They have loads of confidence and renowned courage, though they can be hurt by criticism.

Their fearless nature means they'll try anything new and not back down from challenges. They rarely abandon projects or responsibilities before completion. However, they may become aggressive if trapped or violent if attacked. They are deeply in-tune with their emotions, thus making them awesome lovers or partners. They seek balance between their domineering and strongly competitive nature and their immense need for love, so they bring passion and candor into any relationship. They prefer a stable, harmonious partner who provides support and admiration. They have great confidence and renowned courage, though they can be hurt by criticism.

Tigers are best known for their amazing ability to bounce back from problems and they are dignified and courageous in facing any challenge, making them great leaders. They are highly intelligent individuals who have a diverse set of career options. Their intrepidness provides for varied life experiences which enriches their life and adds depth to their personality.

The Story of the Tiger

Originally lion was listed in the third place, but Emperor Jade thought lion is too ferocious, so he decided to choose another animal instead . Tiger stands out as a perfect candidate . Emperor Jade send tiger to beat revolting lion ,bear , horse and turtle monster . Finally tiger was rewarded the 3rd place in the zodiac system.

Watch the video and learn about the interesting story behind the zodiac tiger.

Years and Types

There are five elements that give the Tiger specific characteristics and personality traits beyond its symbol of wealth. The most recent years of the Tiger include 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010. After 2019, the next two years we will be 2022 and 2034.

Famous people born in the year of the Tiger

In Western Countries

Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Terry Wogan, Richard Branson, Tom Cruise, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga.

Queen Elizabeth II (born April 21, 1926). Sir Michael Terence Wogan (born Aug 3, 1938), better known as Terry Wogan, was an Irish radio and television broadcaster who worked for BBC radio. His breakfast program drew an estimated eight million listeners. Other celebrities born in the year of the rabbit, including Richard Branson (born July 18, 1950), Tom Cruise (born July 3, 1962), Victoria Beckham (born April 17, 1974).

In China

Kangxi Emperor (born May 5, 1654), born Xuanye, was the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty and the second Qing emperor to rule over China proper, from 1661 to 1722. He is considered one of China’s greatest emperors.

Tang Yin (born in 1470), nicknamed Tang Bohu, was a Chinese scholar, painter, calligrapher, and poet of the Ming dynasty period whose life story has become a part of popular lore.

Zhao Mengfu (born in 1254), a descendant of the Son Dynasty’s imperial family, was a Chinese scholar, painter, and calligrapher during the Yuan Dynasty. He was known for his paintings of horses. His landscapes are done in a literal style that focuses more on the lay of the land.

Sun Yet-sen (born Nov 12, 1925) was a Chinese politician, medical doctor, and philosopher, who served as the provisional first president of the Republic of China and is referred to as the “Father of the Nation” for his role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty during the Xinhai Revolution.

Peng Liyuan (born Nov 20, 1962) is a Chinese contemporary folk singer and performing artist and the current First Lady of China (as of 2019).

Zhang Yimou (born April 2, 1950) is a Chinese film director, producer, writer, actor, and cinematographer.

Wu Jing (born April 3, 1974) is a Chinese martial artist, actor, and director. Wu is best known for his roles in various martial art films such as “Wolf Warrior” and its sequel.

Personality Traits and Character

Positive personality traits

Brave, trustworthy, intelligent, adventurous, competitive, confident, charismatic, energetic, enthusiastic, talented.

People born in the year of the Tiger are born leaders, the animal that represents courage and authority. Tigers are also fighters. They fight not only with the outside world, but also with themselves as they seek balance between their inner peace and their careers. They will walk through fire for the right cause and are not afraid to rebelliously go against the majority. There’s nothing that can stop them from achieving their goals, which they usually set high and work consistently hard to reach. Tigers generally like recognition for their achievements and their talents while also striving for approval from their family and friends. They are energetic, lively individuals who love challenges and are highly competitive—traits that align perfectly with active travel itineraries full of dynamic activities and new adventures. They are fearless and adventurous, so they enjoy trying new things, whether it’s sampling local delicacies during a tour or taking on thrilling outdoor pursuits.

Negative personality traits

Dramatic, selfish, arrogant, short-tempered, hasty, stubborn, judgmental, hostile, impulsive, unpredictable.

While generally outspoken and opinionated, they can still be tolerant and sensitive to the opinions of others. Tigers can be short-tempered if they don’t get their way and as one of the more unpredictable zodiacs, one never knows exactly how a Tiger will react. Tigers think and act fast, so they can be impulsive. Their talents, intelligence, and fearlessness can make them self-centered and arrogant. Tigers don't take criticism well and like to be in charge.

Exclusive Travel Destinations for the Tiger

Some sort of daring activities with a surge of adrenaline in travel ensure you will never be bored. A trip to Zhangjiajie is the perfect representation of this, and Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, is an ideal destination for the courageous Tigers.If you are interested, please check the Exclusive Travel Destinations for Chinese 12 Zodiac to know more details.

Love and Compatibility

Tigers may be aggressive at times, but when in a relationship, their aggression turns to passion. They are charming, trustworthy, and fun, so they add a lot of excitement to their partner’s life—making shared tours and romantic getaways vibrant and memorable. Tigers can be quick to begin new relationships and tend to naturally take on a more dominate role. In order to maintain a successful relationship with a Tiger, their partner needs to be comfortable with a less dominate role and be equally active to keep up with Tiger's sense of adventure—whether that’s embarking on a couples’ adventure travel or exploring new cultures together. They are also generous in love and will often surprise their partners with gifts and grand gestures but expect their partners to show an equivalent amount of gratitude.

For Men

A Tiger man does not settle down easily with one person and enjoys his freedom. He looks for a partner who shares his interests and respects his power and abilities. When you demonstrate intellect to a Tiger man, his interest may grow and he will be faithful, as he can be seduced by mental prowess. If you only use body language, he may soon look elsewhere. Flirting and small adventures may continue after settling down with a Tiger, since such playfulness reinforces the seductive power of his stripes. His heart is loyal though and he marries only when he has found someone who he truly wants to spend his life with.

For Women

A Tiger woman enjoys the game of love and is full of life and passion. She tends to get romantically involved quickly and may decide to get married quickly too. She is mostly happy with her partner if the relationship allows her plenty of freedom, if her opinion and decisions are respected, and if her partner is willing to follow her lead. Tiger women have great character and are generally a joy to be around. To love a Tiger woman, a man must have plenty of energy and inner power, because she can’t stand boredom or listlessness. Mutual effervescence will combine in a magical, chemical-like reaction forming a life-long partnership with the passionate Tigress.

Best Matches: Horse, Dog, Pig

1. Tiger and Horse

The combination of the Horse and the Tiger can make a perfect couple, both of them are enthusiastic, open-minded, easy-going, and good communicators. The Horse is strong, energetic, and confident, while the Tiger is strong, intelligent and loves the Horse's wonderfully fearless and adventurous spirit. Both signs are really fun to be around and are passionate about life. They see eye to eye on a lot of things and really admire each other.

2. Tiger and Dog

The Tiger and the Dog make a great match. The Dog may be considerate and tolerant of the Tiger, which makes the tiger feel at ease. The Dog can get a sense of security from the Tiger, and they can understand and tolerate each other. Both signs have the ability to overlook the negative traits in each other and focus on the positives.

3. Tiger and Pig

Both are gentle and kind, and love their families. The Pig is determined, committed and believes in the Tiger's ambitious goals. The Pig is understanding and not bothered by the Tiger's unpredictability because he/she sees a brave mate in the Tiger. The Tiger also enjoys the stability and tranquility that the Pig brings to their lives and their homes.

Worst Matches: Sheep, Ox, Rabbit

1. Tiger and Sheep

Even though the Tiger loves the Sheep's tender heart and creativity, and the Sheep loves the Tiger's attractiveness, these two signs are not very compatible. The Tiger doesn't like the Sheep's possessiveness and the Sheep might see the Tiger as cold, harsh, and too sociable. The Tiger is ambitious at work, so he/she might find the Sheep too laid-back. The Tiger is active and likes a fast-paced life, while the Sheep enjoys calm and slow-paced life.

2. Tiger and Ox

While the Ox is practical and orderly, the Tiger sees this as rigid and constraining. Tigers love to be the star of the show, leaving the Ox feeling uneasy and insecure in the face of the Tiger’s outgoing nature. The Ox cannot stand the Tiger's bad temper, so in order to make this relationship work, the Ox should be more understanding, while the Tiger should stay faithful and be less gregarious.

3. Tiger and Rabbit

The Tiger is bold and loud, while the Rabbit is gentle and shy. The Rabbit doesn't like the Tiger's sense of adventure and the Tiger doesn't like highly sensitive people. The Tiger may prove to be too strong and exciting for its life, and the Rabbit may feel overwhelmed in this relationship. It would be better if they could meet halfway.

Lucky and Unlucky Things

Career and Health Outlook

Career

Tigers are success-oriented individuals, born leaders who like to get things done, and they don't like to take orders. They are ambitious and seek out opportunities wherever they can find them. Their independent nature means they often prefer to work alone. Tigers need to be challenged which explains why some may change jobs frequently at the beginning of their careers. However, because they're smart and learn quickly, they succeed in whatever they do especially when they are enthusiastic about a project. They do not always make the greatest students, but their lack of focus or attention should not be misread for lack of intelligence or capability. Tigers generally need a challenge to stay interested. As artists or performers, their charisma helps attract fans.
Good careers choices: All leadership positions, management, politician, business executive, military, police, sales, actor, writer, musician, comedian, artist, pilot, flight attendant, travel, or explorer.

Health

Tigers are very energetic and strong, so they usually stay quite healthy. However, they can be prone to overworking themselves, so they may feel overwhelmed and exhausted at times. They're usually able to recover quickly, but over time this tireless work ethic can cause serious health problems. Tigers need to maintain a healthy work/life balance, so they can utilize their physical energy more effectively. Tigers need to make time for themselves every day in order to stay sharp and be more productive, less stressed, and healthier.

2026 Tiger Horoscope

2026 Overall: 4/5 stars

2026 will be a rewarding year for people born in the Year of the Tiger to forge ahead. Though they will face competition in their careers, they can achieve good results as long as they maintain a proactive and ambitious attitude. Therefore, "steady progress with minor fluctuations" has become the core theme of their overall fortune. Their love lives will be rich and colorful; single individuals will enjoy great popularity among the opposite sex and can easily make new friends.

Career: 4/5 stars

In 2026, people born in the Year of the Tiger will enjoy good career fortune. Their leadership skills will win high recognition, opening the door to promotion opportunities. Fierce competition and job changes at work, yet, may make them feel quite uneasy and even spark thoughts of switching jobs. They should keep good relations with the company no matter whether they stay or leave, as this helps them build a good reputation and lay a solid foundation for their future careers.

Wealth: 4/5 stars

Tigers will see a wealth surge in 2026. Besides higher income from their regular jobs, their earlier real estate and stock investments will generate big returns, filling them with great joy. Still, they must avoid showing off their wealth to stop jealousy and ill will from others.

Love: 3/5 stars

In matters of the relationships, single Tigers may easily make new friends, but the chance of encountering a fated connection is not high. Patience remains essential. This year, concentrating on your work and personal growth is advisable. For those in a relationship, their bond could encounter challenges. To prevent minor issues from escalating, both partners should strengthen communication and understanding.

Health: 4/5 stars

People born in the Year of the Tiger are in good health. If they keep a regular routine and stick to moderate exercise, they can further improve their physical fitness. However, they need to watch out for issues related to the heart, blood vessels and sciatic nerve, especially those who sit in the office for long hours or drive for extended periods, and should avoid overfatigue.

Year of the Tiger Recommended Itinerary

In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger stands for strength and good fortune, showing up in imperial ceremonies and daily folk life. This cultural tour across Beijing and Shanxi will lead you to follow the traces of tiger culture, link tiger motifs from the imperial court and the folk world, and let you fully grasp the deep meanings of Chinese tiger culture.

Day 1

Upon arrival in Beijing, staff will be waiting for your airport pickup and then take you to the reserved hotel for a rest.

After a short break, you can freely explore the area around the hotel to taste local Beijing snacks, recharge your energy and get ready for the packed itinerary ahead.

Day 2

Palace Museum

Arrive at Tiananmen Square to soak up its solemn and dignified national atmosphere, then head to the Palace Museum for an in-depth exploration of tiger culture.

The museum houses a tiger-shaped tally, which was a symbol of military power in ancient China. Admiring the tiger for its bravery, the ancients took it as an embodiment of military spirit, hence they carved troop-dispatching tallies into tiger forms. In addition, ancient military officials wore costumes embroidered with animals to indicate their ranks—those with tiger patterns usually belonged to third or fourth rank, equivalent to middle and senior commanders today.

Later, experience paper-cutting in the old hutongs. Under the guidance of intangible cultural heritage inheritors, make auspicious tiger paper-cuts by hand and feel the vibrant vitality of tiger motifs in folk art. Then proceed to the Summer Palace: admire the Taihu stone sculptures of the Chinese zodiac animals, stroll along the Long Corridor and appreciate the zodiac murals featuring tiger elements, and savor the subtle charm of tiger culture embedded in this royal garden's landscapes.

Day 3

Go to the Temple of Heaven, which is a holy place for imperial ceremonies. Every part of the building has a lot of cultural significance. Take a walk through it to see how strict the layout and grand style of this old building are. After that, go to the Great Wall of Mutianyu. Climb this big, steep part to feel the heroic spirit of "One man guarding the pass keeps ten thousand men at bay." Stand on the wall and look at the far-off mountains. You can imagine the high ideals of the brave soldiers who defended the borders like tigers. While you're there, take in the breathtaking views along the Great Wall and admire the beautiful mix of nature and human history.

Day 4

After taking a 3-hour high-speed train from Beijing to Taiyuan, you can go to Shanxi Museum and focus on the tiger-headed yi, an ancient bronze vessel. This precious artifact is decorated with tiger motifs, and it has both practical and decorative functions. It represents the rich bronze culture and tiger totem worship of ancient Shanxi. Next, start a night tour of Taiyuan Ancient City. Wander along the old streets lit up with bright lights, and feel the special mix of peace and liveliness in the city after dark. You can experience local folk customs and taste Daoxiaomian—Shanxi sliced noodles, a famous local food.

Day 5

Tiger-head ceremonial plaques in the county government office

Travel from Taiyuan to Pingyao. Upon arrival, start a tiger culture exploration tour of Pingyao Ancient City.

First, visit the Ancient County Government of Pingyao to learn about the tiger bench, a type of ancient torture instrument, and feel the symbolic significance of tiger motifs in ancient judicial systems. Then head to Qingxu Temple, where you can focus on admiring the white tiger god sculptures in the Dragon and Tiger Hall. These two Yuan-dynasty style sculptures stand 5 meters tall, with sharp eyebrows, glaring eyes and restrained valour. As Taoist guardian deities, they embody the dignity and protective power of tigers.

Day 6

The cloth tigers wearings tiger-head hats

Proceed to the Wang Family Compound, a magnificent mansion of Shanxi merchants. Rich folk cultural elements are embedded in its architectural decorations, allowing you to feel the good wishes in Shanxi merchant culture for wealth protection and family prosperity symbolized by tigers.

In the afternoon, head to Zhangbi Ancient Castle, where strong folk customs are preserved. Focus on learning about the folk culture of tiger-head hats. As traditional children's clothing, these hats are designed with tiger motifs to ward off evil spirits and protect children's healthy growth. Later, join a cloth tiger-making workshop. Under the guidance of local craftsmen, make vivid, brightly colored cloth tigers by hand, and deeply experience the simplicity and vitality of folk tiger culture.

Day 7

Finish this rewarding tiger culture-themed tour and head to the airport for your return trip.

As we look back, we've traced the footsteps of tiger culture — from tiger tallies in royal palaces to folk paper-cuts and cloth tigers, and white tiger sculptures at Taoist sites — and understood the rich meanings of tiger motifs in different settings.

If you are interested in this itinerary or wish to customize a tailor-made Chinese zodiac tiger tour, please feel free to Contact us. We will explore the core of tiger zodiac culture and do our best to offer you a really meaningful cultural journey.

• 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