The Vision Behind the “Zodiac Dream”
Tian Dongxia and Zhao Wanlong didn’t start their family journey with a simple plan. Their motivation is deeply rooted in a profound appreciation for the diverse characteristics of the Chinese Zodiac. They believe that a family containing all 12 signs represents a “complete circle” of life and harmony.
Tian, currently in her early 30s, gave birth to her first child—a daughter—in 2010, the Year of the Tiger. Since then, the household has seen a near-constant arrival of new members. For this couple, each child isn’t just a new family member; they are a symbolic representation of the animal sign they were born under, bringing a specific “energy” to the home.
Understanding the Current Family Status
To keep track of such a large family, the couple maintains a structured overview of their progress toward the 12-sign goal. Here is how the Zhao family stands as of late 2024:
| Family Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Children | 13 Children |
| Zodiac Progress | 8 out of 12 signs achieved |
| Missing Zodiac Signs | Rabbit, Snake, Horse, Goat |
| Household Staff | 6 Nannies, 1 Nutritionist |
Navigating the Logistics of a 15-Person Household
The most common question the couple faces online is: “How is this financially possible?” In an era of rising inflation and high education costs, raising thirteen children seems impossible for an average family. However, Zhao Wanlong is a highly successful businessman, providing the family with significant financial resources.
The family resides in a sprawling luxury villa in Liaoning. To ensure every child receives adequate attention and care, they have professionalized their parenting:
- Dedicated Childcare: Six professional nannies are employed to manage hygiene, playtime, and safety.
- Health & Nutrition: A private nutritionist plans daily meals to ensure all children are meeting growth milestones.
- Education Planning: Each child has a tailored path for their schooling and extracurricular activities.
The Cultural Significance: What Each Sign Brings
For the Zhao family, the Zodiac is more than just a birth year; it’s a personality blueprint. By wanting a “full set,” they are essentially hoping to experience the full spectrum of human nature as defined by Chinese astrology. For example:
- Dragon: Seen as leaders and innovators.
- Ox: Representing hard work and reliability.
- Tiger: Symbolizing bravery and protection.
By filling their home with these diverse traits, Tian Dongxia believes her household will be perfectly balanced, with each sibling complementing the others’ strengths and weaknesses.
Context: China’s Shifting Demographic Policy
This story arrives at a time when China is actively encouraging larger families. For decades, the “One-Child Policy” strictly controlled population growth. However, facing a rapidly aging society, the government transitioned to a “Two-Child” and eventually a “Three-Child Policy.”
While the Zhao family’s 13 children far exceed the government’s current targets, they have become symbols of the “Pro-Birth” movement in China. Their wealth allows them to bypass the financial struggles that deter many other young Chinese couples from having more than one child.
“Our children are our greatest legacy. Every birth year is a new blessing, and we are grateful for the ability to provide for them all.” — Zhao Wanlong.
Conclusion: A Long-Term Commitment
The journey toward the full 12 Zodiac signs is a marathon, not a sprint. To achieve their goal, the couple must wait for specific years—Rabbit, Snake, Horse, and Goat—to cycle back. This requires years of patience and continued health.
Whether you see this as a fascinating cultural experiment or an extreme lifestyle choice, the Zhao family continues to thrive. Their story serves as a reminder of how ancient beliefs can still influence modern lives in profound and unexpected ways.
Read Also: Explore more Trending Stories from China and Beyond.
Disclaimer: This report is compiled based on social media updates from the family’s official Douyin profile and regional news reports from Zhejiang and Liaoning provinces. Financial details are based on the family’s public disclosures.
