Year of the Rat

People born in the Year of the Rat are charming, social, and outgoing. They are good at making friends and have a knack for business. Rats have an exceptional grasp of information and ideas, with vivid imaginations and unique intellectual abilities. Thus, they can spot opportunities in life that others may miss. They are dedicated to causes they believe in and work hard when part of a team. Rats are not romantic in life, but they are caring and loving in their relationships. Rats make faithful partners as long as their partner can provide safety, assurance, and the love they seek. Rats make great leaders and enjoy being in authoritative positions. They are energetic and good organizers; so if you want something done, you know who to call. For those born in the Year of the Rat, who are so adept at seizing opportunities, a well-planned educational tour is undoubtedly an excellent way to broaden their horizons and make new friends.

The Story of the Rat-the legend of the great race

Once upon a time, the mighty Jade Emperor called for a great animal race to decide the years on the calendar. Each year would be named in the order the animal finished the race and the race was to be a short run through a forest and then a swim across a raging river. Naturally, the Cat and the Rat weren’t good at swimming, as they were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. However, they smartly came up with the idea to ask their friend, the Ox, for a ride on his back. The Ox agreed and off they went. While crossing the river, the Rat pushed the Cat into the river. Since the Cat was unable to swim, it floated downstream far away from the finish line. Then as the Ox neared the other side, the Rat jumped ahead and crossed the finish line in time.

As for the poor Cat, it eventually made it out of the river but didn't cross the finish line in time to be the first. Since the Cat lost, it’s said that this is why cats always chase rats, to get revenge for the race.

Years and types

There are five elements that give the Rat specific characteristics and personality traits beyond its symbol of wealth. The most recent years of the Rat include 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008. After 2019, the next two years we will be 2020 and 2032.

Famous people born in the year of the Rat

In Western Countries

World-renowned English playwright，poet--William Shakespeare (born April 26, 1564) ，the 41st US President George Bush (born June 12, 1924) were born in the year of the Rat. Other celebrities born in the year of the Rat have Charles Prince of Wales (born Nov 14, 1948), Diego Maradonna (born Oct 30, 1960), Zinedine Zidane (born Jun 23, 1972), Prince Harry (born Sept 15, 1984), and Scarlett Johansson (born Nov 22, 1984).

In China

Du Fu (born 721) , along with Li Bai (Li Po), was a prominent Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty. His autobiographical and historical are the most characteristic poems among his diverse works, recording the effects of war on his own life. These works came to be hugely influential in both Chinese and Japanese literary culture. Of his poetic writing, nearly fifteen hundred poems have been preserved over the ages.

Li Qingzhao (born Mar 13, 1084) was China’s most revered female poet. She was a highly educated woman for her time, studying literature, writing poetry, and amassing an immense collection of Chinese antiquities with her husband. She was a master of the tz'u, or ci, form of lyrical poetry that was set to music, writing with emotional intensity and unconventional language.

Zheng Chenggong (born Aug 26, 1624) better known internationally by his Hokkien honorific Koxinga or Coxinga, was a Chinese Ming loyalist who resisted the Qing conquest of China in the 17th century, fighting them on China's southeastern coast.

Qi Baishi (born Jan 1, 1864) was one of the most well-known contemporary Chinese painters. Born in a farmer‘s family, try his best to became arts of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal-carving. Shrimp, fish, crabs, frogs, insects, and peaches were his favorite subjects.

Deng Jiaxian (born Jun 25, 1924) ,educated in the United Sates, was a physicist devote in developing China's atomic and hydrogen bomb. He is a pioneer in China's nuclear theoretical research.

Xie Wanying (born Oct 5, 1900), better known by her pen name Bing Xin or Xie Bingxin, was one of the most prolific Chinese writers in the 20th Century. Many of her works were written for young readers. She was the chairperson of the "China Federation of Literary and Art Circles".

Louis Cha (born Mar 10, 1924), better known by his pen name Jin Yong (金庸), was a famous Chinese wuxia (martial arts and chivalry) novelist and essayist. His Wuxia novels are wildly popular among Chinese communities worldwide.

Personality Traits and Character

1. Positive personality traits

Rats are usually smart, charming, ambitious, practical, alert, outgoing, imaginative, resourceful, versatile, kind-hearted, cautious. Thanks to their adaptability, quick uptake, and problem-solving skills, Rats can easily adapt to new surroundings and handle tough and challenging work。 They tend to save money but they can share their cash when it comes to people they care about. Their smart and outgoing nature makes Rats great companions for travel, as they can easily navigate new places and connect with locals. Additionally, their curiosity and adaptability make them open to trying various tour types, from cultural city tours to adventurous outdoor trips.

2. Negative personality traits

Some of Rats are obstinate, shy, grabby, secretive, unstable, gossipy, grouchy .Rats are a bit of mindful, aware, and measured. It's hard to maintain friendships with Rats for a long time.Although usually popular, Rats may be lonely because they can not completely trust others. They often lack stability, so they may change jobs frequently. They usually don’t take advice from others so that they miss some chances. When planning travel or tours, Rats might benefit from choosing more structured trips that provide a sense of stability, which can help ease their potential anxiety from unstable environments.

Exclusive Travel Destinations for the Rat

For your perfect getaway, head to Chongqing where you can experience one of the five largest cities in all of China, a verdant and colorful city. Shanghai also is a good choice for the Rat people and you can experience numerous lifestyles in one day. If you are interested, please check the Exclusive Travel Destinations for Chinese 12 Zodiac to know more details.

Love and Compatibility

When it comes to love and relationships, Rats can be affectionate, laid-back, and thoughtful. They usually can get along well with their partners and try to stay neutral whenever possible.Rats are not usually romantic, they cann’t remember the special day well, but they're loving, caring to their partners as well as their families.

For Men
A Rat man loves to be surrounded by friends, meet new faces, and savor the finer things in life. Rat men may play the field with different people for quite a long while before deciding to settle down. Eventually, he will yearn for marriage and draw on his romantic experience to find the perfect partner. Group getaways or social tours—such as food crawls or music festivals—are ideal for Rat men, as they allow them to meet new folks and enjoy the company of friends while exploring new spots.
For Women
Some Rat women also love to meet new faces and can fall head over heels time and again before finally settling on the one they want to build a life with. They can also be fiercely jealous and truly cherish partners who are true blue. Their long-term companion has to be strong, charming, and brimming with undying love. A Rat woman may enjoy travel that involves creative or cultural experiences—such as art museum visits or craft workshops—which not only allow her to meet new folks but also satisfy her passion for beauty and creativity.

Best Matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey

1. Rat and Ox

The Rat is very compatible with the Ox – both signs are very kind, loyal, and devoted, and will appreciate each other's qualities. These two signs both like spending time with their friends and family, and they are not very fond of socializing. The Rat and the Ox will support each other when they suffering difficulties. The Rat likes the hardworking dedication and loyalty of the Ox, while the Ox prefers the energy and passion of the Rat.

2. Rat and Dragon

Both are devoted people who are determined to make their relationships work. The Dragon will be attracted to the Rat's positive attitude and will appreciate his/her support and loyalty. When meeting troubles, they will help each other and cheer each other up.

3. Rat and Monkey

The Monkey is a great thinker, while the Rat is very responsible and hardworking and is able to give the Monkey suggestions. Both signs enjoy spending time together and having fun. This relationship will rarely be dull. They will be able to understand each other on a high level. The Rat will enjoy the outgoing and adventurous side of the Monkey.

Worst Matches: Horse, Sheep, Rabbit

1. Rat and Horse

The Rat and the Horse have different in the life style. The Horse likes take some risks, but the Rat likes living a stable life and the resulting arguments over seemingly life style.

2. Rat and Rabbit

They are both charming individuals, but they may not spend more time to keep their relationship. The Rat is sociable and active, but the Rabbit is quite reserved and doesn't enjoy socializing. The Rabbit may find the Rat to be overbearing and meticulous, while the Rat often finds the Rabbit too indifferent due to it’s more easygoing personality.

3. Rat and Sheep

Even though both signs are warm-hearted and kind, they have too many differences. The The Rat is always decisive in making decisions, while the Sheep is always hesitant. The Rat is usually frugal, while the Sheep doesn’t like having to worry about finances. They may have conflicts when making decisions.

Lucky and Unlucky Things

Career and Health Outlook

Career

The Rat has one goal: to be very successful. Rats will look their whole life for their due recognition. They can make huge investments of time and money into something worthwhile, but then not be successful because they get too detail oriented and lose sight of the big picture. The smallest thing can distract a Rat. However, their charm may help get them through life’s rough moments. They have good instincts so they're able to spot valuable opportunities in business. Rats are extremely perceptive, wise, and have good problem-solving and observation skills, but they're not always persistent enough to see projects through until the end. Routine kills their creativity, so Rats can benefit from flexible jobs that involve creative skills. And for those born in the Year of the Rat working in creative industries, planning a tour to Hangzhou or Guilin is an excellent way to seek inspiration amid natural landscapes of mountains and rivers. Regular travel activities such as hiking also serve as a great method to manage stress.

Good career choices: Any work related to creativity, critical thinking, and invention. Artist, writer, editor, musician, lawyer, stand-up comedian, broadcaster, entrepreneur, researcher, inventor, banker, sales person, politician, software specialist, stock analyst.

Health

Rats enjoy robust health, thanks to their active and energetic nature that keeps them fit and hearty. A good number of Rats rarely fall ill, yet when they do, they can usually bounce back in no time. Rats may tend to be aggressive or jittery on occasion, which can readily trigger high levels of stress; for this reason, regular physical workouts can help them get over this issue. Adding active travel to their schedules—such as hiking excursions, cycling tours, or yoga retreats—can help Rats sustain their physical well-being while relieving stress, blending their inherent need for activity with pleasant travel experiences.

2026 Rat Horoscope

2026 Overall: 3/5 stars

Since 2026 is the Year of the Horse, and the relationship between the Horse and the Rat is not favorable, people born in the Year of the Rat will encounter transformations and brand-new opportunities in their career, relationships, or personal development this year. During this period, they need to act cautiously in everything, avoid carelessness, and be especially prudent in their career development.

Career: 3/5 stars

Rats may face considerable workplace pressure. They need to adjust themselves, be good at communicating with the team, and will surely gain colleagues' support to resolve difficulties smoothly. Their work is expected to be recognized by superiors, bringing career breakthroughs and promotion opportunities.

Wealth: 3/5 stars

When it comes to finances, people born in the Year of the Rat will face notable financial swings, with a clear risk of decline. They need to focus on increasing income and slashing expenses. Cut out unnecessary purchases, and steer clear of luxury and waste in daily life.

Love: 3/5 stars

2026 will bring some ups and downs to the love lives of the Rats. Single Rats might come across lots of romantic chances, yet many of these are "bad romances" (harmful relationships) that bring no happiness and may even hold them back. When choosing a partner, they must keep a clear head and never fall for someone easily.

Health: 3/5 stars

In terms of health, people born in the Year of the Rat may suffer from excessive anxiety in 2026. To break the habit of overthinking at bedtime — a behavior that disrupts sleep, weakens immunity and even causes illness — you need to adjust your daily routine. Simple relaxation methods, including mindfulness meditation and moderate exercise, help ease stress, cut down negative emotions and keep your body and mind relaxed.

Year of the Rat Recommended Itinerary

Based on the preferences and personality traits of people born in the Year of the Rat, we have carefully designed a travel experience route themed around Rat culture. This journey not only covers the different symbolic meanings of rats in traditional culture but also caters to Rats' traits of loving social interaction, enjoying nightlife, and being witty and perceptive. If you are interested or have other ideas, please feel free to contact us. We will serve you sincerely.

Day 1

Upon arriving in Beijing, a professional driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel for rest. You can also stroll around the streets near the hotel in your spare time and try Beijing's hot pot with copper pots at nearby restaurants to experience the authentic local vibe.

Day 2

Palace Museum

Start your morning with a visit to the Palace Museum(Forbidden City), which holds many collections centered on Rat culture. The most representative piece is the scroll Three Rats, painted by Ming Emperor Xuanzong (Zhu Zhanji). In traditional Chinese culture, the three rats in varied poses stand for the lovely wishes of prosperity, abundant offspring and good fortune. Head to Yandai Xiejie (Pipe Street) in the afternoon. Pick either the Rat-themed paper cutting intangible cultural heritage experience or calligraphy practice at your will. Professional teachers will guide you to deeply grasp the key role of Rat culture in ordinary people's daily lives. Take a stroll along Shichahai as evening falls, savor the tranquil night and ponder on the cultural insights you've gained all day long.

Day 3

Take the high-speed train to Shenyang. In the morning, visit Liaoning Provincial Museum to learn about a distinct Rat culture different from that in Beijing—the Five Immortals Culture of Northeast China. Derived from the animal worship of Manchu Shamanism, the "Five Immortals" refer to five animals: foxes, hedgehogs, rats, weasels and snakes. Among them, rats are revered as gods that protect grain barns and foretell the future. As night falls, explore Zhong Street Night Market. Its lively atmosphere and diverse local delicacies cater to the love of nightlife among people born in the Year of the Rat, letting you experience Shenyang's vitality and charm while strolling and tasting food.

Day 4

Shenyang Palace Museum

Begin your morning by touring Shenyang Palace Museum, an early Qing imperial palace. It combines Manchu, Han and Mongolian architectural styles, and ranks as one of China's only two surviving imperial palace complexes.

Make your way to Beiling Park in the afternoon. Zhaoling Mausoleum, which sits inside the park, is the tomb of Emperor Taizong of Qing and Empress Xiaoduanwen, and part of the Three Mausoleums of Shengjing. Ride an electric cart past the tall pines and cypresses, and feel the solemn grandeur of the mausoleum architecture, where nature and human heritage mix well.

Day 5

Harbin Ice-Snow World

Head to Harbin. If you visit in winter, you can go to the Harbin Ice-Snow World to admire the vivid ice sculptures of the Chinese zodiac animals—the clever rat sculpture looks especially unique against the ice and snow. If you travel in other seasons, take a stroll along Zhongyang Street. Built in 1900 and known as "Asia's No.1 Avenue", this street is lined with local food shops on both sides. Don't miss visiting the Saint Sophia Cathedral, a Byzantine-style building constructed in 1907, whose grand exterior and exquisite interior are truly a feast for the eyes.

Day 6

Start your morning exploring Sun Island, an isle on the Songhua River. Once a royal hunting ground in history, it now mixes natural landscapes with cultural attractions—it is silver in winter and green in summer, letting you fully enjoy the beauty of nature.

Head to Volga Manor in the afternoon. This Russian-themed estate copies many classic Russian buildings. Its quiet lakes and graceful castles go well together, making you feel like you're in a foreign country. The manor's laid-back vibe and varied scenery suit people born in the Year of the Rat who seek unique experiences, letting you enjoy the appeal of multiculturalism.

Day 7

Pack up your travel gains and head home with abundant memories of rat culture and experiences of local customs. This journey not only explores the cultural connotations of rats in folklores and arts, but also caters to the personalities, preferences and sensory needs of people born in the Year of the Rat. From imperial city relics to folk custom tracing, from bustling night markets to icy and snowy charm, every part of the trip is brilliant, bringing this rat - themed cultural journey to a perfect close.

If you are interested or have other ideas, please feel free to contact us. We will serve you sincerely and turn your journey into a cultural tour rather than a simple sightseeing trip.

• 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