101 Awesome Chinese Tattoo Designs You Need To See!

by Jamie Wilson
CHINESE DRAGON TATTOO FOR MEN

Reviewed & updated: January 7, 2023 by Jamie Wilson BA

A Chinese tattoo is a must-have design for both men and women. If you are someone who prefers meaningful tattoos, as well as tattoos that have a lot of power – you will enjoy Chinese designs. Choose one simple design, or go for a bold & large tattoo that speaks to you the loudest! Luckily, we have 12 unique and different Chinese tattoos that will suit everyone’s taste!

What Do Chinese Tattoos Mean?

A Chinese symbol or Chinese characters can symbolize a lot of things. However, Chinese symbols and tattoos are usually representing loyalty; there are also some Chinese characters for love, Chinese characters for peace, etc. These are the most often traditional Chinese meanings that guys & girls like to get. If you are a fan of conventional Chinese tattoo ideas, you will also enjoy the strength Chinese symbols, as well as courage tattoos.

What Does The Chinese Dragon Mean?

Chinese legends state that a dragon has the ability to shapeshift into a human. However, the meaning of a dragon and what it symbolizes is strength, power, as well as good luck. This is also one of the most common and beautiful Chinese symbols, as well as traditional Chinese culture designs.

Top 12 Chinese Tattoos

1. Giant Sleeve Chinese Tattoos With Koi Fish

2019 12 08 02.51.36 2193827981500077624 koifishtattoo Outsons
@golden_brown_tattoo via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Chinese tattoos, as well as fish tattoo designs, are typical for Chinese culture. If you are a fan of brighter & colorful tattoos, you will enjoy this design. If you are into an unusual style and you love bright tattoo ideas, get this Koi fish as your sleeve. 

2. Chinese Tattoos On Leg

Leg tattoo 3 Outsons
@fengjiantattoo via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This Chinese symbol tattoo represents wind and water. People who have been through rough times and who love a tattoo with meaning will enjoy similar designs. This style means that you will survive through any rough time. Get this over your entire leg and go for a colored ink, it looks way better.

3. Chinese Symbol Tattoos

Chinese symbols 1 Outsons
@yunhsign via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

As previously mentioned, the Chinese writing tattoo can have a deeper meaning. This is one of those loyalty symbol Chinese tattoos, as well as a Chinese symbol for courage. You can stick to one meaning only, or you can have several Chinese tattoos over the entire arm!

4. Chinese Tattoos With Tiger Design

Tiger tattoo Outsons
@radio.tattoo via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

A Chinese tattoo such as this one is very manly, brave, and bold looking. Tattoos with a tiger design represent strength and power. Get similar characters if you are a fan of black ink, as well as larger designs. 

5. Fish Traditional Chinese Tattoo

Red tattoo Outsons
@danny_kuishou via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

A Koi fish will symbolize good luck as well as strength. Do you like tattoos with meaning? Well, this tattoo is all about happiness, plus it is done in red ink, perfect for guys who love bolder designs! You can get it done over your entire shoulder if you prefer larger tattoos.

6. Chinese Tattoo Designs With Horse 

Stomach tattoo 1 Outsons
@kwongtattoo via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This is a traditional Chinese tattoo that is very well-done, as well as defined. It represents old-Chinese history and is one of those designs that guys who love old-times will enjoy the most.

7. Chinese Dragon Tattoo Over Entire Body

Giant tattoo @royalrosetattoos

Giant tattoo3 Outsons
@royalrosetattoos via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

A Chinese dragon tattoo symbolizes power, and it plays a huge part in Chinese history. Do you want a Chinese character that stands for hope? If you have enough time to spare and you can spend 30+ hours with the tattoo artist, get this bold design! You can be inked all over your body, but also try to get this design over your torso.

8. Cool Colorful Ink Chinese Tiger Art

Colorful tiger Outsons
@ringsandneedlesworcs via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

A tiger represents long life, health, as well as power. Do you feel as strong and as powerful? Get this bright design across your forearm if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, and also if you love smaller Chinese tattoos. 

9. Popular Evil Tattoo Chinese Symbol

Devil tattoo3 Outsons
@shaotattoo via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Death in China and all throughout China history has a strong connection to the afterlife. This is why this devil design can have a deeper meaning, and it does not have to be the scariest image that you can get. If you like tattoos that are a bit more manly as well as scary-looking, get this Chinese tattoo.

10. Small Chinese Tattoos With Dragon Symbol

Arm tattoo Outsons
@devaniaarmogam via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This Chinese dragon is small and not too bold. If you don’t need attention-seeking tattoos and you wish to have a Chinese character somewhere – get it on your forearm. Black ink is super easy to do, and this dragon tattoo will take only a few hours to do.

11. Chinese Warrior Traditional Tattoo Ideas

Black tattoo2 2 Outsons
@y_f_shu via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

A Chinese character that will never go out of fashion is a Chinese warrior. If you don’t need Chinese symbols for peace, but you actually want something a bit more violent – get similar tattoos. Black ink is the best choice, especially if you want long-lasting tattoos.

12. Popular Chinese Tatoo Ideas With Koi Fish On Forearm

Small fish tattoo Outsons
@nastyafox via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Lastly, simple tattoos can look beautiful – just have a little faith. If you are into smaller designs, get this Koi fish on your forearm. This Chinese tattoo screams peace, love, as well as self-growth, and who wouldn’t want similar tattoos? 

On That Note

A Chinese tattoo can look bold, but also can have a deeper meaning. You can go for a dragon, Chinese writing, letters or characters, as well as calligraphy designs! You could also tattoo some names in Chinese writing. Either way, you will definitely find one ideal Chinese tattoo out of our 12 different designs! Go for the image that suits you the best, and stick to tattoos that you like.

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Feature image from Pinterest

What do Chinese tattoo symbols mean?

There are a variety of Chinese tattoo symbols that hold different meanings. For example, the dragon is a symbol of strength and power, while the phoenix represents rebirth and renewal. Other popular tattoo symbols include the lotus flower (purity), tigers (courage), and snakes (wisdom). In Chinese culture, tattoos were often seen as a form of punishment, and thus they often held negative connotations. However, in recent years, tattoos have become more popular among young people as a way to express themselves. Whether you opt for a traditional Chinese tattoo symbol or something more modern, be sure to do your research to ensure that you choose a design that accurately represents what you want it to.

What are the most popular Chinese tattoo symbols?

As mentioned above, some of the most popular Chinese tattoo symbols include dragons, phoenixes, tigers, and snakes. These designs are often chosen for their meaning and symbolism, as well as their aesthetic appeal. If you’re looking for a Chinese tattoo symbol that is both meaningful and visually appealing, consider one of these popular options.

What are the different types of Chinese tattoo symbols?

There are a variety of Chinese tattoo symbols to choose from, each with its own meaning and symbolism. For example, dragons are often seen as a symbol of strength and power, while phoenixes represent rebirth and renewal. Other popular options include tigers (courage), snakes (wisdom), and lotus flowers (purity). When choosing a Chinese tattoo symbol, it’s important to consider what the design represent to you and what you want it to say about you.

Are Chinese tattoo symbols only for men?

Traditionally, Chinese tattoo symbols were seen as a form of punishment and thus were often associated with negative connotations. However, in recent years, tattoos have become more popular among young people as a way to express themselves. Whether you opt for a traditional Chinese tattoo symbol or something more modern, be sure to do your research to ensure that you choose a design that accurately represents what you want it to.

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