Chinese Zodiac Animals Coloring Pages (Free Printable)

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year with the kids, then we’ve got a fantastic treat for you! Introducing our collection of super cute Chinese Zodiac Coloring Pages that are totally FREE!

You’re going to love our collection of Chinese Zodiac Animal Coloring Pages. There are 12 FREE PRINTABLE coloring sheets for you to enjoy, with each one featuring a gorgeous Chinese zodiac animal.

Celebrate Chinese New Year With Fun Coloring Pages

Chinese New Year 2024 starts on February 10th and is the year of the the Roar-some Dragon! These Chinese Zodiac Animals Coloring Pages will be a super cute addition to your celebrations.

They’re a super fun way for kids to enjoy some artistic expression and build their fine motor skills, and they also provide an excellent opportunity for kids to delve into the fascinating world of Chinese culture and tradition.

With our free printable coloring pages kids can have lots of fun bringing these mythical creatures to life with their coloring pens, pencils, water colors or any other favorite coloring materials.

All 12 of the different animals from the lunar calendar are here and they’re all very cute and friendly. We’ve got Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and last but not least Pig.

You can download just one Chinese New Year coloring page or the whole set of 12.

The Story Behind The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Once upon a time in ancient China, the Jade Emperor wanted to find a way to measure time and organize a calendar. So, he decided to hold a race and the first twelve animals to cross the river would be assigned a year on the calendar.

The animals were very excited but Cat was worried that he wouldn’t wake in time for the race, as he liked to sleep late in the mornings. His best friend Rat agreed to wake him as he was always an early riser. However, on the morning of the race, Rat was so excited that he forgot to wake Cat and dashed off to take part in the competition without him!

Little Rat was very clever and knew that he wouldn’t be able to get across the river as quickly as some of the other bigger animals, so he hatched a plan! He persuaded strong Ox to give him a ride on his head so that he could guide him across the river and whisper encouraging words into his ear.

It worked! Ox was way ahead of all the other animals and was going to be first! But as they finally reached the other side of the river, cheeky Rat leapt off and claimed the win!

The Ox came in second place, followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, and Dragon. Then came the Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Making 12 animals in total and each one winning a year on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar.

In Chinese astrology, from that day onwards the twelve animals each have their own year going in a 12-year cycle. This creates the Chinese Zodiac that we know and love today. Each animal is said to have unique characteristic traits that influence the people born in the year of that animal sign.

Are you wondering what happened to Cat? Well, he never forgave Rat and that is why cats like to chase rats to this day!

Chinese Zodiac Coloring Pages

Below you can meet each of the 12 zodiac animals on paper and see what years they’re matched to. You can download one Chinese New Year printable at a time or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set sent straight to your inbox for FREE.

It’s super fun to learn about the Chinese zodiac while coloring!

Year of the Rat Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Rat Years: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

The first Chinese zodiac animal is the Rat because, as you saw in the story above, it was the first animal across the river! People born under this sign are said to be clever and quick thinkers. They enjoy making new friends and having adventures.

Click here to download your Year of the Rat coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Ox Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Ox Years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Oxen are very strong and reliable just like the one that carried the rat over the river. They aren’t afraid of challenges and are determined to power through. They’re kind hearted and always ready to help their friends.

Click here to download your Year of the Ox coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Tiger Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Tiger Years: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

As you would imagine people born under the sign of the Tiger are brave and adventurous! They’re the cool cats of the zodiac, full of fun and energy!

Click here to download your Year of the Tiger coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Rabbit Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Rabbit Years: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

If you are a Rabbit you have a sweet and gentle heart. You love to hop through life spreading kindness and joy to everyone you meet.

Click here to download your Year of the Rabbit coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Dragon Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Dragon Years: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Dragons are the magical, fire-breathing stars of the zodiac! If you are born under this animal’s sign you will fly through life with creativity and enthusiasm. Every day is an adventure!

Click here to download your Year of the Dragon coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Snake Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Snake Years: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Snakes are sssss-uper sssss-pecial and clever, and are great at solving puzzles and problems. A slithering friend that will always have a few tricks up their sleeve!

Click here to download your Year of the Snake coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Horse Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Horse Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Horses love to gallop through life with lots of laughter and energy. They are the speedy, free-spirited friends of the zodiac bringing excitement wherever they go.

Click here to download your Year of the Horse coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Goat Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Goat Years: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Goats are caring and gentle and love to look after others. A friend to all!

Click here to download your Year of the Goat coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Monkey Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Monkey Years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

If you’re a Monkey then you have a playful and sometimes mischievous side to you! You are quick witted and funny and enjoy a prank or two!

Click here to download your Year of the Monkey coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Rooster Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Rooster Years: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Roosters are colorful and confident. They strut through life with enthusiasm, bringing sunshine and laughter to every day!

Click here to download your Year of the Rooster coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Dog Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Dog Years: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Loyal and friendly, Dogs are like the best friends you could ever have! They are always pleased to see their friends and brighten up their day.

Click here to download your Year of the Dog coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

Year of the Pig Chinese Zodiac Coloring Page

Pig Years: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Pigs love to feast on fun and friendship. They are a happy-go-lucky friend to all!

Click here to download your Year of the Pig coloring page or scroll to the bottom to get the whole set.

These Chinese zodiac animals coloring pages are a great way to learn about Chinese culture, the significance of the Lunar New Year, and the fascinating story behind each of these zodiac animals.

You can also read lots more about the Chinese zodiac animals and the associated personality traits here.

Free Fun for Everyone: Download Your Chinese Zodiac Coloring Pages Now!

Kids of all ages can enjoy some Chinese Zodiac fun with our free coloring pages. Simply fill in the form below with your email address to sign up for our newsletter. As a thank you, I will send the coloring sheets straight to your inbox for your own personal use. (You can of course unsubscribe at any time.)

Happy Chinese New Year! May the year bring you much fun and good fortune.