China’s Zodiac Animal Cities - Beijing’s the Tiger…

Everyone has his or her own zodiac sign, and every zodiac sign corresponds to a unique city in China, whether it's big or small.

The cities shown below have been chosen based on their characteristics, which correspond to their zodiac signs. Find your zodiac animal city - your most-suited traveling destination.

The Rat - Shenyang

Shenyang Imperial Palace

Rats are resourceful and active, and will try their best to make great achievements in all aspects of their life. The recent rapid development of Shenyang fully expresses the resourceful and active characteristics of Rats.

However, the timid, overcautious, skeptical, and conservative characteristics of Rats are also reflected in the slow reformation pace of Shenyang, where development in both industry and commerce lags behind nearby Dalian's.

What to See

Shenyang is a famous historical and cultural city in China, where numerous cultural heritages have remained throughout the course of its 2,000-year history.

• Shenyang Imperial Palace - China's second Forbidden City
• Zhao Tomb - one of only three imperial tombs north of the Great Wall

Learn more about Shenyang Attractions.

The Ox - Wuhan

Guiyuan Buddhist Temple

Oxes are diligent and make consistent efforts. In Chinese, 'ox temper' (牛气) means the haughtiness of an Ox, expressing the prosperity of their business, outstanding work, and good reputation.

The haughty personality of the Ox is reflected in Wuhan. Wuhan is becoming more prosperous owing to its rapid economic development and convenient transportation, and it has started to "bully" its neighboring cities, in that it is exerting influence on them.

What to See

• Guiyuan Buddhist Temple - boasting perfect architecture, excellent sculptures, and rich collections of Buddhist treasures
• Donghu Lake - the largest city lake in China, featuring beautiful mountains and rivers, and unique and charming landscapes

Learn more about Wuhan Attractions.

The Tiger - Beijing

China Highlights's customers are hiking on the Great Wall.

Tigers represent the supremacy of an emperor, whose majesty is fully reflected in Beijing. An ancient capital for the three most recent dynasties and capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing's supremacy is beyond compare in China.

With tourist attractions beyond compare, Beijing is a famous city combining ancient and modern elements as one, whose ancient element lies in its 3,000-year history and culture, including over 850 years as the capital city.

What to See

Beijing is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its most popular attractions are:

• The Great Wall - the longest wall in the world, and one of the ancient wonders of the world
• The Forbidden City - the best-preserved imperial palace in China, and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world
• The Summer Palace - the best-preserved imperial garden in the world
• The Temple of Heaven - the most holy of Beijing's imperial temples

Learn more about Beijing Attractions.

The Rabbit - Hangzhou

West Lake

A rabbit is small, exquisite, and beautiful in appearance, which resembles the style of Hangzhou. Rabbits are cute and favored by people, resembling people's love of Hangzhou, which is fully expressed in the saying about Hangzhou, "There is paradise in heaven; there are Suzhou and Hangzhou on Earth."

What to See

• West Lake - the most famous attraction in Hangzhou, embraced by hills on three sides, noted for its landscaped beauty, cultural heritage, and wonderful night show
• Hengdian World Studios - awarded the title of "China's Hollywood", it is the largest movie and television base in Asia

Learn more about Hangzhou Attractions.

The Dragon - Shanghai

The beautiful night view of the Bund

A Dragon is characterized by being subjective, stubborn, and aggressive, and seeks to prevail over others in all aspects to show its advantages, resembling Shanghai's characteristics.

A dragon was the symbol of an emperor in ancient times, and Shanghai has the air of an emperor. The competition between Dragons and Tigers is fully reflected in the contest between Beijing and Shanghai for influence and economic domination.

What to See

Shanghai is the biggest city in China, and a newly-emerging tourist city, with a profound historical and cultural heritage.

• The Bund - one of the most recognizable architectural vistas and the pride of Shanghai
• Yuyuan Garden- a famous classical and refined Chinese garden, featuring late Ming Dynasty garden architecture
• Zhujiajiao Water Town- a famous ancient town in China, well-endowed with waterways, ancient bridges, and traditional Chinese-style residences

Learn more about Shanghai Attractions.

The Snake - Tianjin

China House in Tianjin

A Snake is similar to a Dragon, but is a lesser Dragon. Although Tianjin is a municipality (just like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing), Tianjin has no Shanghai-style influence due to its lower level of economic power, and it makes its way cautiously with the spirit of a snake under the shadow of Beijing.

However, Tianjin still strives for economic growth with unwavering spirit and persistence. Great changes have taken place in Tianjin due to great support from the Chinese central government.

What to See

• Huangyaguan Great Wall Section- the longest restored section, where the Great Wall Marathon is held each May
• China House - a contemporary museum of pottery and antiques

The Horse - Shenzhen

The night view of Window of the World

A Horse has vigorous, active, and speedy characteristics. During the 20-year opening up and reformation period of China, Shenzhen has risen abruptly as a "dark horse", whose development speed has astonished the world. Now Shenzhen ranks 4th for economic power in China (after Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou).

Shenzhen is a vibrant, lively city packed with life and activity given that it has a largely youthful population drawn from all quarters of China.

What to See

It hasn't lost its tourist attractions in the thrust to modernization, and has added a few sights in its modernity:

• China Folk Culture Village - offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a large-scale collection of cultural sights, exhibiting folk arts and Chinese customs
• Window of the World- a great theme park, with miniature model replicas of the world's most famous landmarks
• Happy Valley - a large modern theme park, with the most advanced facilities in China

The Goat - Guangzhou

Canton Tower

Known as 'Goat City' in ancient times, Guangzhou gets its name from a beautiful legend…

During the Zhou Dynasty (1045–256 BC), five immortals - each riding a goat of a different color - saved Guangzhou people from famine by introducing five types of grain. They bestowed a blessing that there would never be a famine again in the region.

Later, the immortals rose to the sky, leaving their five goats at the foot of a mountain in Guangzhou.

A sculpture of five stone goats was erected on Yuexiu Mountain in 1959, and it has become the symbol of Guangzhou.

What to See

• Museum and Mausoleum of the Nanyue King - the oldest and largest tomb from the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
• Canton Tower - Also called Guangzhou TV Tower, it is the highest TV tower in China. Now it has become one of eight must-see attractions in Guangzhou.

What to Do

Shopping - Guangzhou is a paradise for foodies and shoppers. Ideal places for shopping and eating are Beijing Road Pedestrian Street and Shangxiajiu Road Pedestrian Street.

Learn more about Guangzhou Shopping.

The Monkey - Nanjing

Purple Mountain

On one hand, Monkeys are aggressive and relish the challenge of competition; on the other hand, Monkeys get along well with each other. Nanjing contends with Suzhou and Wuxi in all aspects; however, it's surpassed by them both.

Nanjing has developed by leaps and bounds owing to cooperation with Suzhou and Wuxi, just like a monkey succeeds by cooperating.

What to See

• Purple Mountain - it is home to some famous places of interest, including Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, Mingxiaoling Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple

The Rooster - Xi'an

Terracotta Army

The crow of a rooster symbolizes the beginning of a new day; and Xi'an is associated with the dawn of Chinese civilization.

Xi'an was the first of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals and played a very important part in Chinese history. From the 11th century BCE to the 10th century CE, Xi'an hosted no less than 13 dynasties and regimes in the flux of Chinese history.

What to See

• Terracotta Army - one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world
• Hua Mountain - one of five sacred Taoist mountains in China

Learn more about Xi'an Attractions.

The Dog - Chongqing

A Yangtze River cruise.

A Dog is known for its high speed, loyalty, and striving spirit.

The high speed and striving spirit reflect the great changes of Chongqing in the last 10 years. The loyalty of a dog represents Chongqing's loyalty to the Chinese central government regarding taxation and its contribution to China's GDP.

What to See

• The Three Gorges- the most scenic section of the Yangtze River. The best way to appreciate the beautiful scenery is to take a Yangtze River cruise.
• Wulong South China Karst - offers views of natural towers of limestone, stone bridges, and limestone caves

The Pig - Chengdu

A Pig is inclined to live a lazy and easy life, and this pace resembles the lifestyle of Chengdu.

Although life in Chengdu is rather slow-paced, it attracts investors from all over the world each year, making it prosperous, while people go about their business without ambitions of getting rich.

What to See

Chengdu is known as 'land of abundance in midwest China', and it was awarded the title of "World Excellent Tourist Destination City" in 2009. Its most famous attractions are:

• Dujiangyan Panda Base - offers the best panda volunteer program: participants can learn more about, look after, and take pictures with pandas
• Dujiangyan Irrigation Project - This water system is an amazing feat of engineering and construction, a wonder of the ancient world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Qingcheng Mountain - A famous Taoist mountain, and World Heritage, it is one of the places where Taoism originated.

Travel to Your Zodiac Sign City with China Highlights

If you want to visit any of the cities mentioned above to see their best attractions, China Highlights can offer assistance. See our most recommended tours, for inspiration:

• 8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai GOLDEN TRIANGLE Tour - the choice of most first-time travelers
• 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin/Yangshuo, and Shanghai CLASSIC WONDERS Tour