Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
Chinese Zodiac Hours

Chinese Zodiac Hours

Written by Fercility JiangUpdated Nov. 28, 2023

In ancient times, in order to tell the time, people divided one day into twelve 2-hour periods, and designated one animal to represent each period according to each animal's special time.

  • Rat: 23:00-01:00 (when rats actively look for food).
  • Ox: 01:00-03:00 (when oxen begin to ruminate and start tilling the land)
  • Tiger: 03:00-05:00 (when tigers begin hunting prey)
  • Rabbit: 05:00-07:00 (when, according to Chinese folk tales, the jade rabbit on the moon starts pounding herbs with a pestle)
  • Dragon: 07:00-09:00 (when, in Chinese folk tales, dragons start marching westwards)
  • Snake: 09:00-11:00 (when snakes leave their holes)
  • Horse: 11:00-13:00 (when sunshine is the strongest during the day, and the horses remain rigorous while many other animals lie down to have a break)
  • Goat: 13:00-15:00 (it is believed that if goats will grow fatter if they eat grass during this time)
  • Monkey: 15:00-17:00 (when monkeys become very lively)
  • Rooster: 17:00-19:00 (when roosters return to their coops)
  • Dog: 19:00-21:00 (when dogs carry their duty to guard the houses)
  • Pig: 21:00-23:00 (when pigs are sleeping tight and sound)

Related Articles

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.

Why China Highlights

Save Your Time

Save Your Time

  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning.
  • Seamless coordination
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • Well-trained elite 20% of guides.
  • 20% vacancy on vehicles.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China