The Chinese Almanac (Tong Sheng): Your Daily Guide for Auspicious Timing

The Chinese Almanac, known as Tong Sheng (通胜) or Tung Shing, is one of the oldest continuously published books in the world. Updated annually for over 2,000 years, it provides detailed guidance on the quality of each day — which activities are favorable and which should be avoided.

The almanac classifies each day into categories based on the interaction of the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and various deities. Some days are excellent for weddings, others for travel, others for starting a business.

For professional-grade date selection based on your personal Bazi, book a consultation with Master Ding here.

How to Read a Tong Sheng Entry

Each day in the almanac lists: the date in both Western and Chinese calendars, the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch of the day, the day's 'good for' list (e.g., weddings, travel, renovations, moving), the day's 'avoid' list (e.g., funerals, signing contracts, surgery), the day's zodiac conflict (people born in a certain sign should be extra cautious), the day's Yi (宜 — favorable activities) and Ji (忌 — unfavorable activities).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there an app version of the Tong Sheng? Yes, several apps provide daily almanac information. However, for important events, a professional date selection based on your personal chart is recommended.

Q: Do I need to follow the almanac every day? Only for significant events. The almanac is most useful for wedding dates, business launches, renovations, moving, and travel.