Synopsis of The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs

Prelude- Journey Start

Inside the Tiangong, colorful clouds gathered. A group of lively and lovely little rats are secretly observing the flaming fairy furnace with curiosity and longing. But they get caught by an eagle-eyed Old Deity when they are tasting the elixir. The Old Deity frowns slightly and puts forward a problem: "In the world, the seasons are chaotic while the time is confused. Twelve brave beings are needed to restore order. Who will take on this mission?" The leading rat bravely stands out and says: "Let me try! Only grant forgiveness to my brothers and sisters." The Old Deity nods in agreement. The Rat embarks on an amazing journey to find his zodiac partners.

Act I Scene I- Lotuspond Rebirth

The sun is scorching hot and makes the earth parched. The first arrival of the Rat is a withered lotuspond where the fish are dying. He feels pity and waves his wand, summoning the rain clouds. In an instant, the rain pours down, and the lotus pond has a new release of life: the green leaves swaying gently, the lotus flowers bursting into blossom, the fish playing happily. And the animals on the shore also wake up, singing and laughing around the Rat.

Suddenly a tiger growl interrupts the jubilation. The king of the forest has a toothache. The Rat calls on everyone to help without hesitation. The Cow, Pig, Rabbit and many other friends work together to relieve the pain of the Tiger. The lotus pond is once again full of laughter and joy. The Rat takes the opportunity to tell everyone the news that the Tiangong is about to hold the zodiac trials, and invites the animals to participate.

Act I Scene II- Forest Adventure

In the dark swamp in the deep forest, the Rat strays into the territory of a Snake. He is attracted by the light and shadow revealed from the snake eggs. But his curiousness angers the mother snake who is guarding her baby. At this critical moment, a group of clever monkeys appeared. Seeing the twelve zodiac signs scroll in the Rat’s backpack, they understand his mission. After some efforts, the monkeys explains the purpose of the Rat to the mother snake and saves the Rat. Under the moonlight, the animals sit together with the Rat sharing all their stories. The seeds of friendship quietly take root.

A grand celebration is held in the forest for the born of little snake! After the celebration, the Rat continues his journey, full of firm faith in heart.

Act II Scene I- Snow Rescue

The ground is clad in silvery white snow. The Rat enters the world of ice and snow to join a trade caravan of Dogs, Roosters, Horses and Sheep. They trudges along the winding road, only to encounter wildfires raging along the way. In the moment of crisis, the Rat came forward and fought with the fire. Eventually all the animals escaped from the fire.

After the test of life and death, the Rat and the caravan forms a deep friendship. Together, they embark on a journey to the zodiac trials in Tiangong.

Act II Scene II- Tiangong Competition

As the Spring Festival approaches, the Rat leads all the animals back to Tiangong in triumph. Seeing everyone eager and prepared, the Old Deity gladly announces that the curtain of the zodiac trails is about to open.

At the trials, the beasts ran, showing their abilities and competing. This is a contest of wisdom and courage, but also a feast of friendship and unity. After fierce competition, the position of the twelve zodiac signs have finally been settled.

Epilogue- Zodiac Celebration

In Tiangong, the Spring Festival feast is celebrated, and the twelve zodiac signs gather together. On the stage, they are dancing with their own style. The brave Tiger, witty Rat, industrious Cow... Each animal shines with its unique light, celebrating the establishment of a new order. This grand ceremony will forever be engraved in the hearts of every creature and become an eternal legend.