Chinese Zodiac Tattoos: Best Ideas For Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

Unlike in the West, Chinese Zodiac signs are based off the year. However, just like the Western Zodiac, Chinese Zodiac signs can inspire some awesome and unique tattoos.

That is why we put together our list of Chinese Zodiac Tattoo Ideas, so you could learn more about your Chinese Zodiac sign, and get some ideas for your next tattoo.

So, get ready to race to the Jade Emperor, and enjoy our list of Chinese Zodiac Tattoo Ideas.

Year Of The Rat Tattoo: (Those born in …1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020…)

The Rat is the first Chinese Zodiac signs, and according to legend it arrived first by riding on the Ox, then jumping off and getting in front of him at the last minute. This fabled event showcases some of the most notable traits of those born in the year of the Rat which include, cleverness and the ability to think quickly.

The Year of the Rat tattoo below is a rat with many eyes, symbolizing the ability for the rat to see all. Rat tattoos that incorporate cleverness, resourcefulness, and abundance, make for ideal Year of the Rat tattoo ideas.

Tattoo done by Devon

Ox Tattoo: (Those born in …1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021…)

The second Chinese Zodiac sign is the honest and hard working Ox. The reason the Ox is second is because The clever Rat took advantage of the Ox’s earnestness, and jumped off and in front at the last second. Although the Ox was tricked, its positive traits make those born in the Year Of The Ox highly sought after.

The Year of the Ox tattoo below really captures the essence of the hard working Ox, and softens some of it’s yang influence, with the yin inspired flowers. Making this a strong and beautiful Year of the Ox tattoo.

Tattoo done by Sara

Tiger Tattoo: (Those born in …1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022…)

Showing up third sign in the Chinese Zodiac was the Tiger. The tiger thought because of his athleticism he would place first, only to realize when he emerged from the river that he was behind the cunning Rat and diligent Ox. Tigers are rightfully self confident and courageous, they are also known for being very active, enthusiastic, and daring.

The Year of the Tiger tattoo below gives the illusion of the Tiger hiding while it actively stalks its prey. This Year of the Tiger tattoo really reflects the vigor and power of China's “King of the Jungle” the mighty Tiger.

Click here to check out more Tiger tattoo ideas

Tattoo done by Ryan

Rabbit Tattoo: (Those born in …1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023…)

Coming in forth in the Chinese Zodiac sign is the Rabbit. The speedy Rabbit arrived first, so early in fact that there were no other animals in sight. The arrogant Rabbit then decided to take a nap and wait, and when he awoke he was forth. The Rabbit is usually kind, strong, and confident, plus they always pursue their goals until the end.

The Year of the Rabbit tattoo below is a lucky rabbit's foot. As you can see this Rabbit’s foot looks very strong, and anyone born in the Year of the Rabbit would be confident that they made a great tattoo choice.

Tattoo done by Devon

Dragon Tattoo: (Those born in …1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024…)

The fifth Chinese Zodiac sign is the Dragon. Everyone expected the mighty Dragon to be first, but on the way the Dragon stopped to bring water to a village suffering from drought. Dragons tend to be strong and independent, although they still crave love and support from others. Dragons are the most revered creature in the Chinese Zodiac.

The Year of the Dragon tattoo below combines the strength of the Dragon with the love of the cherry blossom flowers perfectly. And, this creates an amazingly beautiful Year of the Dragon Chinese Zodiac tattoo.

Check out more Dragon tattoo ideas by clicking here

Tattoo done by Sara

Snake Tattoo: (Those born in …1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025… )

The sixth Chinese Zodiac sign is the Snake. He arrived together with his good friend the Dragon, but the Jade Emperor saw the large Dragon first, so the snake was placed sixth. Snakes have strong minds, are funny, and are able to keep their wits about them in chaotic situations. 

The Year of the Snake Tattoo below looks as sophisticated as those born in the Year of the Snake are. The contrasting black and red colors really make this Year of the Snake tattoo pop when paired with its simple, yet elegant design.

Check out more Snake tattoo ideas by clicking here

Tattoo done by Devon

Horse Tattoo: (Those born in …1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026…)

The seventh Chinese Zodiac sign is the Horse. The Horse arrived seventh because on his way reached the cemetery and was scared to go past it. After some time the horse summoned the courage to run past with his eyes closed, he then went full speed the rest of the way. Horse’s have free spirits, are full of energy, and tend to athletic.

The Year of the Horse tattoo below shows the free spirited nature of the horse as it looks back at you playfully behind the flowers. Year of the Horse tattoos are a great idea for those born in the Year of Horse, because it can remind them to stay positive.

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

Goat Tattoo: (Those born in …1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027…)

 The eighth Chinese Zodiac sign is the Goat. The Goat was traveling with his friend the Deer when a river showed up in their path. The Goat and Deer both decided to swim across, but the Deer gave up and the Goat pushed through arriving eighth overall. Goats can persevere though any challenge, they are kind, and they are resilient.

The Year of the Goat tattoo below show the steadfast Goat surrounded by a wreath of rose to symbolize his kindness. You can see the look of determination in the Goats eyes, making this a good tattoo choice for those born in the Year of the Goat.

Tattoo done by Steve

Monkey Tattoo: (Those born in …1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028…)

The ninth Chinese Zodiac sign is the Monkey. The Monkey was in another country helping to defeat evil spirits with his friends the Rooster and the Dog. When they all arrived after defeating the sprits, the Jade Emperor ranked them in the order they had met to help the god in the other country. Monkey’s are intelligent and confident, they can also be quite the pranksters.

The Year of the Monkey tattoo below shows the fierceness of the Monkey, and is a great Year of The Monkey tattoo for any intelligent, strong-willed, person born in the Year of the Monkey.

Tattoo done by Ryan

Rooster Tattoo: (Those born in …1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029…)

The tenth Chinese Zodiac sign is the Rooster. The Rooster was in another country helping to defeat evil spirits with his friends the Monkey and the Dog. When they all arrived after defeating the sprits, the Jade Emperor ranked them in the order they had met to help the god in the other country. Roosters are hard-workers, decisive, and love being with family.

The Year of the Rooster tattoo below shows the lighter side of the Rooster, with famous cartoon Rooster Foghorn Leghorn. Although he is silly, he is still hardworking and decisive, making this an awesome Year of the Rooster tattoo idea.

Tattoo done by Steve

Dog Tattoo: (Those born in …1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030…)

The eleventh Chinese Zodiac sign is the Dog. The Dog was in another country helping to defeat evil spirits with his friends the Monkey and the Rooster. When they all arrived after defeating the sprits, the Jade Emperor ranked them in the order they had met to help the god in the other country. Dogs are loyal, honest, and make them companions.

The Year of the Dog tattoo shows the union of woman and dog to symbolize the natural bond humans and dogs share. This is a great tattoo idea for those born in the Year of the Dog that want a tattoo that shows their loyalty.

Tattoo done by Devon

Pig Tattoo: (Those born in …1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031…)

The twelfth Chinese Zodiac sign is the Pig. it is said that the Pig arrived last because he overslept. Another story says the wolf blew down his house and he had to rebuild before he left. Pigs have fun personalities and love entertainment, they are always doing something, and they are blessed with good fortune.

The Year of the Pig tattoo below is of Miss Piggy. She is always having fun, has a huge personality, and loves her entertainment. This makes for a perfect Year of the Pig tattoo idea.

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

We hope you enjoyed our list of the Best Chinese Zodiac Tattoo Ideas. If you liked this article, make sure to check out our article on the Best Tattoo Ideas for Your Zodiac Sign. And comment below what your favorite Chinese Zodiac Tattoo were.

If you would like to get yourself a Chinese Zodiac tattoo, make sure to book your tattoo at Mr. Inkwells, where one of our amazing artists can design a Chinese Zodiac tattoo that you will love every year for the rest of your life.

See you soon!