From ancient architecture to everyday life from myths and legends to historic places of natural beauty from priceless artefacts to annual festivals and ceremonies from performing arts to famous people, China has a myriad of iconic symbols that make up an historic and significant civilisation whose longevity rivals any in the west. Chinese symbols have a much more pervasive and complicated role than one might think at first sight their study reveals not just their individual meanings, but also offers insight into divergent Chinese patterns of thought and cosmic views.