This is one of the oldest timekeeping systems still in use today, blending both lunar and solar cycles to mark months, seasons, and festivals. Unlike the purely solar Gregorian calendar, the Chinese calendar follows the phases of the Moon while aligning with the Sunโs position in the zodiac.
This unique system determines the dates of traditional festivals like Chinese New Year, the Mid- Autumn Festival, and the Lantern Festival. Beyond daily timekeeping, it plays a vital role in astrology, agriculture, cultural rituals, and feng shui practices. Understanding the Chinese lunisolar calendar provides deep insights into traditional Chinese culture, philosophy, and cosmic harmony.
Chinese Zodiac Edition
The Chinese lunisolar calendar is a traditional system that uses both the Moonโs cycles and the Sunโs position to determine months, seasons, and festivals. Each month begins with a new moon, and solar terms help align the calendar with seasonal changes.
The Gregorian calendar is purely solar, based on the Earthโs orbit around the Sun. The Chinese lunisolar calendar, however, combines lunar months with solar terms. This is why dates of festivals like Chinese New Year shift each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Since lunar months donโt perfectly match the solar year, the date shifts between late January and mid-February in the Gregorian calendar.
Solar terms are 24 seasonal markers based on the Sunโs position along the zodiac. They were originally used to guide agricultural activities and are still used in traditional Chinese culture and astrology.
The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to an animal sign (Rat, Ox, Tiger, etc.). The zodiac year begins with the Chinese New Year, which is determined using the lunisolar calendar.
Yes. While China officially uses the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes, the lunisolar calendar remains vital for determining traditional festivals, astrological calculations, and cultural observances.
