The Tiger is the third of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox set off the night before and was first. 

Tiger arrived early the next morning and was second. Rat secretly climbed onto Ox and jumped down when he saw the Jade Emperor. Ox and Tiger were pushed back to second and third. Despite his protests, Tiger could only settle with being the third zodiac.

The Tiger is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支 / dì zhī) yín (寅 )and the hours 3–5 in the morning. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳 / yīn yáng), the Tiger is yang.

Tigers are courageous and active people who love a good challenge and adventure in life.

In Chinese culture, tigers are seen as the guardian of children. Infants and babies wear shoes and hats with tiger designs to protect against evil spirits.