Slithering into 2025: Bliss or hiss? Fortunes for the year are uncoiled in our journey through the Chinese zodiac

The Chinese zodiac, a traditional classification system based on lunar calendar years, has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. Dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), it assigns animal signs to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle, with each animal representing distinct personality traits and characteristics.

Its origins are rooted in an ancient folk legend about the Jade Emperor hosting a race to determine the order of the zodiac animals. The story goes that of the 12 creatures which turned up to participate, the rat, known for its cunning, won by riding on the ox’s back and jumping ahead at the last moment.

Each zodiac sign is believed to influence an individual’s personality, relationships and potential life path. People born in specific years are said to inherit the characteristics of their corresponding animal. For instance, those born in the Year of the Dragon are considered powerful and lucky, while those hailing from the Year of the Rabbit are thought to be gentle and diplomatic.

Beyond personal predictions, the Chinese zodiac plays a significant role in cultural celebrations, marriage compatibility and traditional fortune-telling practices, maintaining its relevance in modern society and global Chinese communities.

As the Year of the Wood Snake emerges in 2025, celestial energies are set to weave a fascinating tapestry of transformation, wisdom and unexpected opportunities for each zodiac sign. Prepare for a mystical ride through the cosmic landscape of Chinese astrology!

Cosmic Guidance, Personal Choice

While these astrological insights offer fascinating perspectives, remember that the ultimate architect of your destiny is you. The Chinese zodiac provides a beautiful framework of potential and possibility, but your free will, personal choices and actions truly shape your journey.

Embrace the Snake’s wisdom and wit, remain adaptable, and trust your inner guidance. The universe offers suggestions; you write the story.

SNAKE

The Year of Serpentine Self-Mastery

(1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025) 

This is the ultimate year of personal empowerment for Snakes, as the Wood element enhances their natural intuition and strategic thinking. It is an opportune time for personal reinvention, spiritual growth and manifesting long-held dreams. Your inherent wisdom will be your greatest tool in navigating complex personal and professional landscapes.

HORSE

Galloping Through Transformational Terrains

(1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Horses will experience a dynamic year of movement and opportunity. The Snake’s energy encourages you to slow down and strategise while maintaining your natural spontaneity. Potential international opportunities, educational pursuits and exciting personal adventures are highlighted. Your adaptability will be your greatest strength.

GOAT

Nurturing Dreams in Serpentine Sanctuaries

(1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) 

For the Goat, 2025 will be a year of creative nurturing and personal healing. The Snake’s introspective energy encourages deeper emotional exploration and artistic expression. Professional and personal relationships will benefit from your compassionate approach. Potential creative projects and meaningful collaborations are strongly indicated.

MONKEY

Playful Intelligence Meets Strategic Wisdom

(1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) 

Monkeys will thrive in 2025’s intellectually stimulating environment. Your natural curiosity perfectly complements the Snake’s strategic thinking. Unexpected learning opportunities, technological innovations and creative problem-solving will define your year. Professional networking and collaborative projects look particularly promising.

ROOSTER

Precision and Transformation in Harmony

(1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

A year of refined personal and professional alignment awaits the Rooster. The Snake’s energy encourages you to balance your analytical nature with intuitive wisdom. Career advancements, potential international opportunities and personal growth are strongly highlighted.

DOG

Loyal Hearts, Strategic Minds

(1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) 

Dogs will navigate 2025 with remarkable emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. The Snake’s energy encourages deeper emotional connections and professional integrity. Potential meaningful relationships and career opportunities will emerge through authentic communication.

PIG

Abundant Compassion Meets Serpentine Wisdom

(1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) 

Pigs will encounter a year of abundant opportunities and personal growth. Your natural generosity will be beautifully complemented by the Snake’s strategic thinking. Potential financial improvements, meaningful relationships and personal transformations are strongly indicated.

RAT

The Clever Strategist’s Renaissance

(1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) 

In 2025, Rats will experience a remarkable period of intellectual growth and strategic planning. The Snake’s energy encourages you to shed old thought patterns and embrace innovative approaches. Career opportunities will emerge through networking and your natural adaptability. Unexpected financial windfalls and potential collaborative projects could revolutionise your professional trajectory.

OX

Steady Strength Meets Serpentine Wisdom

(1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) 

Oxen will enjoy a year of profound personal development. The Snake’s introspective energy will challenge you to look deeper into your personal motivations and long-term goals. Your methodical nature combines beautifully with the Snake’s strategic thinking, potentially leading to significant personal and professional breakthroughs. Relationships will require patience and open communication.

TIGER

Roaring Through Transformational Currents

(1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) 

Tigers will experience an electrifying year of personal transformation. The Snake’s subtle yet powerful energy will encourage you to explore new territories – both literally and metaphorically. Your natural courage will be complemented by the Snake’s wisdom, creating perfect conditions for bold life changes. Travel, educational pursuits and creative endeavours look particularly promising.

RABBIT

Graceful Adaptation in Serpentine Landscapes

(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023) 

This will be a year of elegant transitions for Rabbits. The Snake’s intuitive energy aligns beautifully with your diplomatic nature. Emotional intelligence and subtle negotiation skills will be your greatest assets. Potential romantic connections and professional collaborations will emerge through unexpected channels. Trust your instincts and remain open to unconventional opportunities.

DRAGON

Mythical Energies Unleashed

(1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) 

An extraordinary year of manifestation awaits the Dragon. The Wood Snake amplifies your natural charisma and visionary capabilities, and your ambitious nature will be perfectly complemented by strategic thinking and calculated risks. Potential leadership opportunities and groundbreaking projects await those willing to embrace change and think beyond traditional boundaries.

What’s on? Things to do this January in Hong Kong

January sees a slew of great things to enjoy, including the world’s largest bounce house, a fantastic tennis tournament, arts festivals, great theatre and activities to celebrate Chinese New Year.

The Big Bounce

Billed as the world’s largest bounce house, this feast of inflatable entertainment represents a not-to-be-missed opportunity for all the family to get together and have unbridled fun. Have a go on bouncy castles of all shapes and sizes, and an assortment of fantastic and slightly surreal inflatables specifically designed for all age groups. For the over 16s who are young at heart, there’s an after-dark party where you can bounce to the cool sounds of live DJs. Featuring unique custom-made giant inflatables, basketball hoops and massive ball pits, this bounce party will create memories to last a lifetime.

When: Until 5 Jan

Where: Great Lawn, West Kowloon Art Park

How much: From $179

For more information: thebigbounceasia.com

HKZMB Half Marathon

Runners from around the world will converge on the city once again for a unique sporting contest, a half marathon spanning the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Held for the first time in 2023, this 21-kilometre World Athletics Gold Label Road Race will attract 8,000 participants in various age-range categories, from juniors over 16 to those aged 70 or above. The views along this stretch of the 55km bridge will be breathtaking.

When: 5 Jan

Where: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Link Road, Lantau Island

How much: From $550 (local runners)

For more information: hzmb-halfmarathon.com

Cigarettes After Sex

The popular indie group lands in Hong Kong for a concert to promote their new album X’s, which was launched in the middle of last year. Such was the demand from the city’s music lovers to see the talented trio from Texas perform that the local promoter, Clockenflap Presents, extended the seating capacity at the venue. Cigarettes After Sex has gained a reputation for its dream-like musical style, romantic lyrics and the androgenous quality of founder Greg Gonzalez’s vocals. 

When: 9 Jan

Where: Hall 5, AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok

How much: From $590

For more information: clockenflap.kktix.cc

Inclusive Tea House

Immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture for the afternoon as the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe presents a special inclusive performance of their delightful xiqu recital, with tea and dim sum served in the midst of the show. Before the Cantonese opera begins, a ‘Touch Tour’ will enable audience members to caress the colourful costumes and musical instruments used by the cast.

When: 10-11 Jan

Where: Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon

How much: Free (prior booking required)

For more information: westk.hk

The Top Restaurant

Following its award-winning Hong Kong Repertory Theatre run in 2022, this epic tale of ups and downs and business squabbles in a renowned Beijing duck restaurant returns for another spicy dramatic feast. Penned by He Jiping and first performed in the Chinese capital in 1988, The Top Restaurant has wowed live audiences in Europe and the US as well as Asia, and its TV adaptation has captivated millions and created fandom

When: 18-26 Jan

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre, Tsim Sha Tsui

How much: From $200

For more information: hkrep.com

Night Parade

Soak up the carnival atmosphere on the first day of the Lunar New Year, as a seemingly never-ending line of amazing floats and swaying dancers winds its way through the thronging streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. This joyous carnival parade is one of Hong Kong’s star attractions during the holiday, always creating a party atmosphere among onlookers bedazzled by the colourful spectacle put on by an eclectic mix of multicultural performers.

When: 29 Jan

Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free

For more information: discoverhongkong.com 

Chinese New Year Raceday

Enjoy the thrills and spills of the Sha Tin Races on the third day of the Chinese New Year, and why not see if your luck is in and place a bet on the beautiful beast of your choice? As one of the most important days in the race calendar, the event is guaranteed to raise the spirits, and it would mark an auspicious start to the Year of the Snake for money winners! Keeping the mood on an intoxicating high will be musical performances, lion dances and festive flowers.

When: 31 Jan

Where: Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, New Territories

How much: Entrance fee

For more information: hkjc.com

Hong Kong Tennis Open

Take the chance to admire the deft racquet skills and athletic prowess of some of the top players in elite men’s tennis at this tournament sponsored by Bank of China. The competitive action is sure to be of the highest order, with last year’s winner Andrey Rublev scheduled to defend his hard-fought title. Seven days of competitive action at the ATP 250 event will feature many top-ranked stars.

When: Until 5 Jan

Where: Victoria Park Tennis Centre, Causeway Bay

How much: From $270

For more information: hkmenstennisopen.com

Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival

Catch the final events of this two-month-long festival showcasing local culture, arts, cuisine and ecology in Sai Kung town, High Island, Sharp Island, Kau Sai Chau and Yim Tin Tsai. Why not savour the islands craft non-alcoholic cocktail workshop? This two-hour immersive experience is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, creating drinks that chime with the flavours of Sai Kung Hoi.

When: Until 12 Jan

Where: Various venues

How much: Various prices

For more information: skhartsfestival.hk