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The Chinese calendar is a combination of the lunar and solar calendars, and each year follows the order of the Chinese horoscope in a 12-year cycle.
Although legend states that Emperor Shi invented the calendar in 2637BC, evidence shows the use of calendars in China later during Shang Dynasty. These had a 12-month annual cycle, and some even showed a 13th or 14th month!
The calendar in its current form was introduced by Emperor Wu of the western Han dynasty. The Chinese calendar is mainly used to date important events and holidays such as Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as for divination.
The Gregorian calendar was officially adopted by China in 1912 for administrative and civil matters, although the Chinese calendar is still widely followed.
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