Gregorian-Lunar Date Converter

Convert between Gregorian (Western) and Chinese lunar calendar dates. Calculate Chinese zodiac, solar terms, festivals, and traditional date information.

Gregorian to Lunar
Lunar to Gregorian

Gregorian Calendar: The solar calendar used internationally. Enter a date to convert it to the Chinese lunar calendar equivalent.

Select a date between 1900 and 2100 for accurate conversion
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Understanding the Chinese Lunar Calendar

The Chinese lunar calendar, also known as the agricultural calendar, is a lunisolar calendar which incorporates both lunar and solar cycles. It has been used for thousands of years in China and other East Asian countries for traditional festivals and agricultural planning.

Key Characteristics:

  • Based on cycles of the moon phases (synodic months)
  • Adjusted to the solar year through intercalary (leap) months
  • Each year corresponds to one of 12 zodiac animals
  • Uses the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system (干支)
  • Divided into 24 solar terms (节气) based on the sun's position

Chinese Zodiac Animals

Zodiac Chinese Years (Recent) Personality Traits
Rat 鼠 (shǔ) 2020, 2008, 1996 Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile
Ox 牛 (niú) 2021, 2009, 1997 Diligent, dependable, strong, determined
Tiger 虎 (hǔ) 2022, 2010, 1998 Brave, confident, competitive
Rabbit 兔 (tù) 2023, 2011, 1999 Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible
Dragon 龙 (lóng) 2024, 2012, 2000 Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic
Snake 蛇 (shé) 2025, 2013, 2001 Enigmatic, intelligent, wise
Horse 马 (mǎ) 2026, 2014, 2002 Active, energetic, free-spirited
Goat 羊 (yáng) 2027, 2015, 2003 Calm, gentle, sympathetic
Monkey 猴 (hóu) 2028, 2016, 2004 Sharp, smart, curious
Rooster 鸡 (jī) 2029, 2017, 2005 Observant, hardworking, courageous
Dog 狗 (gǒu) 2030, 2018, 2006 Loyal, honest, prudent
Pig 猪 (zhū) 2031, 2019, 2007 Compassionate, generous, diligent

24 Solar Terms (节气)

The 24 solar terms are seasonal markers that divide the solar year into 24 segments of approximately 15 days each. They reflect changes in climate, natural phenomena, and agricultural activities.

  • Spring: Lichun, Yushui, Jingzhe, Chunfen, Qingming, Guyu
  • Summer: Lixia, Xiaoman, Mangzhong, Xiazhi, Xiaoshu, Dashu
  • Autumn: Liqiu, Chushu, Bailu, Qiufen, Hanlu, Shuangjiang
  • Winter: Lidong, Xiaoxue, Daxue, Dongzhi, Xiaohan, Dahan

Major Chinese Festivals

  • Chinese New Year / Spring Festival (1st day of 1st lunar month)
  • Lantern Festival (15th day of 1st lunar month)
  • Qingming Festival (April 4-6, solar calendar)
  • Dragon Boat Festival (5th day of 5th lunar month)
  • Qixi Festival (7th day of 7th lunar month)
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of 8th lunar month)
  • Double Ninth Festival (9th day of 9th lunar month)
  • Dongzhi Festival (Winter Solstice, around Dec 21-23)

Converter Features:

  • Accurate conversion between Gregorian and Chinese lunar dates
  • Detailed zodiac animal information with personality traits
  • Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches calculation
  • Festival and solar term identification
  • Support for dates from 1900 to 2100
  • Leap month handling for lunar calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which can occur between January 21 and February 20 in the Gregorian calendar. This is because the lunar calendar is based on moon cycles, while the Gregorian calendar is based on the solar year.

A leap month is an extra month added to the lunar calendar approximately every 3 years to keep it synchronized with the solar year. The leap month carries the same number as the preceding month but is designated as "leap." For example, a leap fourth month would follow the regular fourth month.

This converter uses the lunar-javascript library, which provides accurate conversions between Gregorian and Chinese lunar dates for the period 1900-2100. The calculations follow established astronomical algorithms and historical calendar rules.

The Heavenly Stems (十天干) and Earthly Branches (十二地支) form a 60-year cycle used in traditional Chinese calendrical systems. There are 10 stems and 12 branches, which combine to create 60 unique pairs. This system is used for years, months, days, and even hours in some traditional contexts.

While the lunar-javascript library supports a wider range, this converter is optimized for 1900-2100 to ensure accuracy and account for historical calendar changes. For dates outside this range, specialized historical calendar converters may be needed.