Twelve celebrities born in the Year of the Monkey. [Photo/Xinhua]

In Western astrology, there are 12 astrological signs; and in Chinese astrology, there are 12 zodiac animals. They are mouse, cow, tiger, rat, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In Chinese culture, it is believed that people share some common characteristics with the zodiac of the year when they were born. For example, people who were born in the Year of the Dragon are considered lucky, and people born in the Year of the Pig are materially rich.

Feb 8, 2016 marks the start of the Year of the Monkey. And people born in the Year of the Monkey are often believed to be smart, flexible and ambitious, and can adapt to the changing environment quickly.

Many celebrities were born in the Year of the Monkey. We chose 12 of them from China and abroad. Some came and passed away, shining like meteors, while some are still with us.