The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar that is used to determine traditional holidays and festivals in China and other East Asian countries. It is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun, with each month beginning on the new moon. The calendar consists of 12 or 13 months, depending on the year, and includes leap months to align with the solar year. Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which repeats every 12 years. The zodiac animals include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. This system influences cultural practices, astrology, and celebrations throughout the year.