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Jill Lander

April marks the Dragon Month from April 5 to May 4. The third solar month of 2026 is influenced by the energy of the Metal Dragon, geng chen. The elements of the month are yang water and earth, which focus on power, mysticism and nobility.
The Dragon is dynamic, lively, creative, hardworking and spirited – perhaps sometimes a little anarchic or eccentric.

Watch out for heart health, especially if you sleep within the southeast of your home. The south is also rather vulnerable for the bladder and reproductive organs. Look after your personal belongings if and when travelling south. If your home faces northwest or your kitchen is within the northwest (never considered an ideal feng shui formation), be mindful of getting burnt or scalded.
However, the grounding energy of earth offers new beginnings, so it’s a great time to plant new “idea” seeds when you are now at the perfect time to nurture and put down roots.
How Dragon-like are you?

Dragons are thought of as visionaries always bubbling with original new ideas. With an enthusiasm for life that can be infectious, optimism among Dragons is strong, with the ability to easily inspire others. When it comes to weaknesses, Dragons get easily bored and dislike being confined in any way – a Dragon without a goal is a sad, dispirited creature. Additionally, if a Dragon has something to say, they say it. Why waste time dressing up the obvious in fancy words? But when others get upset, the Dragon becomes baffled. It’s not always easy being a Dragon!
If you were born during the Dragon Month (April), the best careers include being the boss, a president, journalist, film director, professor, motivational speaker, lecturer or architect. If you have one or more Dragon signs in your birth chart – meaning that you were either born in a Dragon year and month, day or hours – your Dragon traits will be magnified, especially during April, your specific astrological month.
Being born within the hours of the Dragon (7am-9am) indicates that you may achieve a lot in life, but would benefit from a more sedate pace. Dragon employees working under pressure are liable to make mistakes easily. Structure and order are always beneficial to maximise the Dragon’s potential.

Famous Dragons include Bruce Lee, Vladimir Putin, Boris Johnson, John Lennon, Martin Luther King, Che Guevara, Salvador Dalí, Maya Angelou, Al Pacino, Sandra Bullock, Shakira, Imran Khan, Jeff Goldblum, Rihanna and Benedict Cumberbatch.
This month, the compatibility between the Dragon and the Horse will be full of uneven and unpredictable energy, as this dynamic duo can be both stubborn and forceful. The energy of the Dragon soars while the Horse faces a tougher time. There will be a greater need for patience and compromise.
What does April 2026 hold for your astrological sign?
These generic forecasts carry different nuances depending on whether this animal rules your year, month, day or hour.
Key:
√ Lucky
∞ Neutral luck
X Not so lucky
The Dragon is the astrological friend to the Rooster, Monkey and Rat. Challenges occur with those born in Dog years.
X Rat – reach out and ask for help

Work pressure may increase and your tasks may become endless and heavy, making it easy to become overwhelmed. It will be beneficial to reach out and ask for help from colleagues or those who may be in a position to offer good advice to help you be more effective and efficient. Elder Rats may encounter a difficult period. Wealth luck may be tested, and pressure may be put upon you to lend money this month. Control your emotions and be more transparent in your communications to avoid making situations difficult to come back from. You may suffer insomnia, making you susceptible to colds and flu-like symptoms.
√ Ox – good fortune continues

Aim to keep up your momentum as there is enhanced wealth to be had, including recognition and positive personal exposure. Change may be on the horizon, which initially may make you feel uneasy, but you have nothing to worry about if you remain calm, focusing on your own tasks and above all avoid getting into any disputes. You need to be more tolerant and avoid arguments due to minor misunderstandings. Wealth luck appears decent, but caution is advised, as you may encounter unexpected expenses.
√ Tiger – expect some competitive forces

You are helped by the feng shui winds of prosperity and wealth luck, which remains strong from last month as your good fortune vibes persist. Wealth success and positive recognition boost your career luck, gaining the support of those in positions of power. You should be feeling strong and confident, which helps reduce any weak liver syndrome that leads to frustration, anger and irritability. You may also benefit from business expansion. Wealth luck is strong, but be wary of becoming undermined by troublemakers. Be especially careful of financial dealings to avoid deception.
√ Rabbit – focus on building strong relationships

You will enjoy a high level of popularity in April due to strong peach blossom luck, which brightens your prospects. Focus on building strong relationships this month. Leverage good rapport to make good progress. Although there may be some obstacles in your path, you will be in a position to resolve any minor wrinkles by being patient and focused, while proceeding slowly. Focus on your financial health to see yields that are faster than usual. Pay attention to your gut health, avoiding raw and cold food, which could irritate the spleen and stomach.
X Dragon – be fully on guard this month

Avoid taking any kind of risk. Dark energies loom, so watch your step. Obstacles may arise when you least expect them, so take things slowly and one step at a time. The energy this month can derail the simplest of plans. Your defences are weakened, so try to get plenty of rest to counter fatigue and low vibes. Avoid becoming impatient with yourself and others. Also avoid saying hurtful things to loved ones, even if in the moment you may feel justified in expressing your frustration. Wealth is good, but avoid irrational spending due to complacency.
X Snake – be more careful and attentive

This is not the month to take unnecessary risks with your health and well-being. Obstacles may arise when you least expect them, but maintain a positive attitude as much as possible. It pays to maintain positive interpersonal relationships, too. Maintain the status quo whenever possible so as not to disturb the energy surrounding you this month. Your defences may weaken, resulting in low energy levels. Aim to get enough good quality sleep to manage your emotions better. Be cautious with your expenses.
√ Horse – be strategic

Enjoy a month of triumph and success, especially if you are willing to venture out of your comfort zone, as everything you put your mind to this month should develop well. Be strategic and take the initiative to step up for any leadership opportunities, which may attract some positive attention. This is a good month to seek out new deals and expand market shares as victory luck is on your side; you could see improvements in your cash flow and good yields from your investments.
√ Sheep – be aware of minor quarrels

You have completion luck helping you achieve success quickly – however, do be aware of minor quarrels and legal problems. Rise above any negativity while remaining calm. It’s a great month to network, paving the way for the future. Wealth luck appears suitable for collaborative ventures, but be sure to choose the right partners. Your health appears strong with no obvious signs of weakness in any area.
∞ Monkey – you benefit from being patient

You may encounter some resistance in the workplace resulting in stress, so you benefit from being patient in solving certain problems. Don’t be impatient with yourself or others. Make sure you allow enough time to finish all tasks you start. Avoid cutting corners just to speed things up. You may be prone to arguing with loved ones over small matters, so it will be beneficial to control your emotions. Mental stress appears high. Wealth luck is average.
√ Rooster – remain neutral and focused

Your leadership luck is strong, so trust your judgment as many will be supportive of your ideas, which will get you noticed. April remains an active period with many new opportunities to pursue. You may be tempted to take them all on, but choose well, otherwise you may spread yourself too thin. Remain neutral and focused on your own work in order to avoid getting involved in other issues that may backfire if you try to be overgenerous with your time and energy – especially towards those who really have no intention of making any decisions.
X Dog – pay attention to managing your emotions

Be cautious in your actions to avoid giving others a reason to criticise you. You may encounter some disputes, troublemakers and increased resistance to your ideas and plans. Pay attention to managing your emotions to avoid being backstabbed, as you appear to be surrounded by rivalry and jealousy, resulting in your overall mood and mindset being weak, which can cause reckless decision-making. Stomach issues are likely.
∞ Pig – be careful of who you trust

Your career appears to develop well, and your personal performance receives good recognition. You may have the opportunity to take on more important projects, with your workload increasing. Wealth luck appears strong with investment yields positive, beginning to take off resulting in an ideal financial future opportunity. Just do be careful of who you trust this month, as in your moment of greatness you may have poor judgment.


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Horoscopes: what’s your luck like in April 2026, Metal Dragon month?

What’s your luck like in April 2026, Metal Dragon month? Photo: SCMP Graphic

The Dragon is hardworking. Photo: Sam Tsang

The Dragon is full of energy. Photo: Tung Hing Association Limited

Bruce Lee was a Dragon. Photo: TNS

Rat years include 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Ox years include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Tiger years include 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Rabbit years include 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dragon years include 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 and 2024. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Snake years include 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Horse years include 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Goat – or Sheep – years include 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Monkey years include 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Rooster years include 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dog years include 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Pig years include 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Which Crazy Rich Asians star are you, according to the Chinese zodiac?

Crazy Rich Asians was a 2018 landmark film. According to the Chinese zodiac, which star of the hit film are you most like? Photo: Handout.

Henry Golding, Constance Wu and Sonoya Mizuno. Photo: Handout

Pierre Png and Gemma Chan. Photo: Warner Bros

Nico Santos. Photo: @nicosantos/Instagram

Henry Golding. Photo: SCMP Archives

Awkwafina. Photo: @crazyrichasians/Instagram

Jimmy O. Yang. Photo: Warner Bros

Ken Jeong. Photo: @crazyrichasians/Instagram

Constance Wu. Photo: Warner Bros

Michelle Yeoh. Photo: Handout

Gemma Chan. Photo: Handout

Chris Pang at the Los Angeles premiere of Crazy Rich Asians in 2018. Photo: AP

Ronny Chieng on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards. Photo: Reuters

1 Hotel Tokyo offers a green-focused retreat in the Japanese capital, with a Bamford spa

1 Hotel Tokyo’s design features plenty of natural materials such as stone and wood. Photo: Handout

More than 1,500 plants are part of the decor of 1 Hotel Tokyo. Photo: Handout

A junior suite overlooking the Tokyo skyline. Photo: Handout

The pool area also features a lovely outdoor deck. Photo: Handout

Spotted Stone, the hotel’s bar, offers more than 110 craft gins from Japan. Photo: Handout

NiNi, the hotel’s restaurant, is also filled with plants and greenery. Photo: Handout

Wellness retreats on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula connect with cultural traditions

Chablé Yucatán is a wellness-focused retreat built around a former hacienda deep in the forest. Photo: Handout

Hotel Esencia, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Photo: Handout

Hotel Esencia, Mexico. Photo: Handout

The pool at Chablé Yucatán. Photo: Handout

Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, also on the Riviera Maya. Photo: Handout

Why Troye Sivan’s Penfolds collaboration is unlike anything he’s done before

Australian singer-songwriter and actor Troye Sivan is Penfolds’ new creative partner. Photo: Handout

Troye Sivan has described his collaboration with Penfolds as “empowering for me creatively”. Photo: Handout

The Penfolds x Troye Sivan Bin 389 gift box. Photo: Handout

Tsu Lange Yor Sage’s Rose fragrance. Photo: Handout

Why dates are healthier than sugar – but can you tell Medjool from Barhi or Halawi varieties?

Medjool dates from Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts. Photo: Handout

Renée Chan uses Deglet Noor dates in her granola mix. Photo: Ah Nui Asian Foods

Medjool dates and walnuts from Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts. Photo: Handout

Date Syrup from Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts. Photo: Handout

XO sauce using date paste from Ah Nui Asian Foods. Photo: Handout

Renée Chan uses date paste in her XO sauces. Photo: Ah Nui Asian Foods

Dates come in a number of different varieties. Photo: Shutterstock

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Work pressures are higher for many signs this month, like the Rat and Monkey, while good fortunes will continue for the Ox and Rabbit


Work pressures are higher for many signs this month, like the Rat and Monkey, while good fortunes will continue for the Ox and Rabbit.


Horoscopes: what’s your luck like in April 2026, Metal Dragon month?

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Work pressures are higher for many signs this month, like the Rat and Monkey, while good fortunes will continue for the Ox and Rabbit

Work pressures are higher for many signs this month, like the Rat and Monkey, while good fortunes will continue for the Ox and Rabbit