10 Interesting Symbols of Good Luck in China

If you’re planning to teach English in China or are already living here as an ESL teacher, understanding Chinese culture can enrich your experience both inside and outside the classroom. One fascinating aspect of Chinese tradition is the use of good luck symbols—powerful emblems drawn from ancient folklore, spiritual beliefs, and everyday life. These symbols are believed to attract prosperity, happiness, and success. Whether you’re navigating your new life in China or preparing to move, here’s a helpful introduction to the most meaningful symbols of good fortune in Chinese culture.

• Red Envelopes
• The Colour Red
• Fu Character
• Dragons
• Laughing Buddha
• Chinese Lucky Cat
• Wealth Pots
• Carp
• Chinese Knots
• Chinese Coin

Symbols of Good Luck in China

At China Link ESL, we are experts in assisting teachers with placements in China to teach English as a second language (ESL), so we are well-placed to discuss the top 10 symbols of good luck in China.

If you’re interested in Chinese culture then this blog post might appeal to you.

Read on for our list of top 10 symbols of good luck in China, but also check out the idea of teaching English in China, and make an initial application here.

1. Red Envelopes (红包 – Hóngbāo)

Red envelopes, or “hóngbāo,” are a cherished tradition during Chinese New Year and other special occasions. These envelopes, typically red, contain money and are given as gifts to friends, family members, and loved ones.

Red symbolizes good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, making red envelopes a symbol of blessings and good fortune.

The act of giving and receiving red envelopes is believed to bring luck and happiness to both the giver and the recipient. It is also a way to share wealth and abundance with others, fostering goodwill and harmony within the community.

That leads us to the colour red in general as another feature of good luck in Chinese culture.

2. The Colour Red (红色 – Hóngsè)

Red envelopes are not just one of the important symbols of good luck in China, the colour red is, considered the luckiest colour in Chinese culture, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.

It’s prominently featured in various celebrations and rituals, including weddings, New Year festivities, and other joyous occasions.

Red is believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energy, while also attracting positive blessings and auspiciousness.

Alongside this, red decorations, clothing, and ornaments are commonly used to symbolize joy and abundance, invoking feelings of warmth, vitality, and vitality.

3. The Fu Character (福 – Fú)

The character “福” (Fú), meaning “good fortune” or “blessing,” holds immense significance in Chinese culture.

It’s commonly seen during the Chinese New Year festivities, adorning doorways and household decorations.

Traditionally, the character is displayed upside down, as the Chinese word for “upside down” (倒 – Dào) sounds similar to “arrive” (到 – Dào), symbolizing the arrival of good fortune!

The Fú character embodies the wish for prosperity, happiness, and auspiciousness in the coming year.

4. The Dragon (龙 – Lóng)

Ah, the Dragon. Arguably the most iconic symbol of Chinese culture, the dragon represents power, strength, and good fortune.

In Chinese mythology, dragons are revered as celestial beings capable of controlling the elements and bringing rain for bountiful harvests.

Emperors in ancient China claimed to have descended from dragons, and the dragon was often associated with imperial authority and protection.

Of course, even today, the dragon remains a symbol of prosperity and success, often seen in celebrations such as Chinese New Year parades and traditional dragon dances.

5. The Laughing Buddha (笑佛 – Xiào Fó)

Depicted as a jovial monk with a large belly and a warm smile, the Laughing Buddha is a beloved figure in Chinese folklore and Buddhist teachings.

Contrary to popular belief, the Laughing Buddha is not the same as Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, but rather a monk who is known for his benevolence, generosity, and contentment.

In Chinese culture, statues or figurines of the Laughing Buddha are believed to bring happiness, abundance, and good luck to those who venerate them.

6. The Chinese Lucky Cat (招财猫 – Zhāo Cái Māo)

Also known as the “beckoning cat” or “fortune cat,” the Chinese lucky cat is a popular talisman believed to attract wealth and prosperity.

Typically depicted as a ceramic or plastic figurine with a raised paw, and mostly in gold colour, the lucky cat is often placed in homes, businesses, and shops to bring good fortune to the owner.

The raised paw symbolizes the act of beckoning wealth and success, while the cat’s cheerful expression is thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energy.

7. Wealth Pots (聚宝盆 – Jùbǎo Péi)

Wealth pots, or “jùbǎo péi,” are special decorative ornaments symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and financial success.

These pots are often adorned with auspicious symbols such as coins (more on coins shortly), ingots, and precious jewels, which naturally represent wealth and fortune.

In Chinese tradition, the wealth pot is believed to attract prosperity and abundance into the home or business. It is commonly placed in prominent locations, such as the entrance or the wealth corner, to invite good luck and financial prosperity.

Wealth pots are also popular gifts during significant events, such as weddings, business openings, and other celebratory occasions, symbolizing wishes for prosperity and success.

8. The Carp (鲤鱼 – Lǐyú):

Fish in general have long been regarded as symbols of abundance, wealth, and prosperity in Chinese culture.

The carp, however, or “lǐyú,” holds significant symbolism in Chinese culture, representing perseverance, courage, and success.

According to legend, carp that swim upstream can transform into dragons (another one of the symbols of good luck in China), symbolizing the journey from adversity to triumph.

As a result, the carp is often associated with the pursuit of goals and aspirations, as well as overcoming obstacles to achieve success.

Images of carp are commonly seen in artwork and decorations, particularly during the Dragon Boat Festival, where colourful carp-shaped kites are flown to symbolize strength and resilience in the face of challenges.

9. Chinese Knots (中国结 – Zhōngguó Jié)

Chinese knots, or “zhōngguó jié,” are intricate decorative knots made from silk or cotton thread.

These knots are symbols of unity, longevity, and good luck, and they are commonly used as ornaments for clothing, accessories, and even in home decor.

Chinese knots come in various designs, each knot carrying its own symbolic meaning.

For example, the “double happiness” knot represents marital bliss and happiness, while the “endless knot” symbolizes longevity and prosperity.

Chinese knots are often given as gifts during weddings, birthdays, and other celebratory occasions, conveying wishes for good fortune, happiness, and prosperity.

They are often used in thin rope as part of hanging other symbols of good luck around the home.

10. The Chinese Coin (钱 – Qián)

We mentioned the wealth pot earlier, but coins have long been associated with wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Ancient Chinese coins, particularly those with a square hole in the centre, are believed to possess powerful auspicious energy.

They’re often used in feng shui practices to attract wealth and abundance to homes and businesses.

Additionally, the Chinese phrase “钱” (Qián), meaning “money” or “wealth,” sounds similar to the word for “before” or “early,” symbolizing the arrival of prosperity and good fortune.

Symbols of Good Luck in China – To Round Up

From our perspective then, the symbols of good luck in China are deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural heritage and belief systems. This is something worth knowing if you plan to teach English in China.

From mythical creatures like dragons to everyday objects like Chinese knots and coins, these symbols carry profound meanings of prosperity, happiness, and auspiciousness.

Whether displayed in homes, worn as jewellery, or used in rituals and celebrations, these symbols serve as reminders of luck, hope, positivity, and the enduring power of tradition in Chinese society.

Check out our teaching section about teaching English in China, and send an initial application.