Top 10 Traditional Chinese Auspicious Patterns: A Visual Treat

Chinese Auspicious Patterns Overview

Patterns are a big part of Chinese culture, woven into history and everyday life, reflecting the customs of each era. Let’s check out the top 10 Chinese auspicious patterns!

1.Hui Wen (Swastika Pattern)
Hui Wen is a folk favorite, dubbed the “endless wealth” pattern. It evolved from thunder patterns on ancient pottery and bronze, featuring geometric loops of short horizontal and vertical lines in square or circular shapes, looking like the “Hui” character. This design is a classic example of Chinese lucky symbols used throughout history.

2. Yun Wen (Cloud Pattern)
Yun Wen, a classic Chinese lucky design, symbolizes rising success and good fortune, used everywhere. In dyeing lingo, it describes naturally transitioning shades. Back in the copper roller carving days, it was hammered out with dotted cloud nails—hence the name stuck. Yun Wen also appears in Hanfu patterns, often decorating sleeves and hems.

3. Feng Wen (Phoenix Pattern)
The phoenix, a lucky deity, inspires Feng Wen, also called phoenix bird patterns, a staple in ancient Han decor. It’s the prettiest bronze design, tracing back to primitive blackbird motifs on pottery. By Western Zhou, it shaped as a pheasant, with raised, fluttering wings setting it apart from regular bird patterns. This motif is one of the most recognized auspicious patterns in Chinese culture, appearing in clothing, jewelry, and ceremonial items.

4. Yu Wen (Fish Pattern)
Yu Wen is a traditional Chinese motif with deep meaning, seen on ancient bronze. It shows fish shapes with one or two dorsal and ventral fins, often decorating plates, blending seamlessly with the item’s form. Fish motifs are widely regarded as Chinese lucky symbols representing abundance.

5. Lian Hua Wen (Lotus Pattern)
Lian Hua Wen is a beloved Han traditional pattern, tied to Buddhism’s rise since the Northern-Southern Dynasties. It’s a common porcelain decor, offering rich variations. The lotus motif frequently appears in Hanfu patterns, especially on ceremonial robes and embroidery.

6. Chan Zhi Wen (Twining Branch Pattern)
Chan Zhi Wen is a classic Chinese pattern, a go-to on porcelain since Yuan. Called “Zuan Zhi” in Ming, it uses plant stems or vines as a base, stretching up, down, left, and right in wavy, continuous loops—endless and creative. Think twining lotus, peony, or grassy vines. This is a prime example of traditional Chinese motifs that blend nature with artistry.

7. Bian Fu Wen (Bat Pattern)
Bian Fu Wen is a traditional lucky motif. Bats, neither birds nor mice but flying mammals, symbolize happiness in Chinese art. The “bat” and “fortune” (Fu) sound alike, so bats flying in mean “incoming luck,” hoping happiness drops from the sky like them. Bats are classic Chinese lucky symbols, often embroidered onto textiles and clothing for celebrations.

8. Qi Lin Wen (Qilin Pattern)
Qi Lin Wen is an ancient auspicious decor. Qilin, also “Qi Lin” or just “Lin,” is a mythical deer-like creature with a single horn and scaly body, cow-like tail—seen as a sign of good fortune. Males were called Qi, females Lin. Unlike Pixiu (fierce wealth guardians that eat riches and ward off evil), Qilin brings peace and longevity. This pattern is a key part of Chinese auspicious patterns, often appearing in art, architecture, and ceremonial garments.

9. San Duo Jiu Ru (Three Abundances Nine Happinesses)
San Duo Jiu Ru is a Han lucky pattern, popular in Qing, mixing bats or Buddha’s hands, peaches, pomegranates, and nine ruyi. “Buddha’s hand” sounds like “fortune,” peaches mean “longevity,” and pomegranates hint at “many kids,” wishing for wealth, health, and family. These motifs are classic auspicious patterns in Chinese culture, seen on textiles, jewelry, and ceremonial items.

10. He Lu Tong Chun (Crane and Deer in Spring)
He Lu Tong Chun is a traditional lucky motif. “Liu He” means the six directions (heaven, earth, and four cardinal points) or the whole world. “Liu He Tong Chun” paints a picture of spring everywhere, nature thriving. Using puns, “Lu” (deer) sounds like “land,” “He” (crane) like “harmony,” and “Chun” (spring) with flowers, pines, or elms, forms this “six in harmony” good-luck design. This is a timeless example of traditional Chinese motifs, applied in art, architecture, and clothing.

Gazing at these stunning patterns, I can’t help but marvel at ancient wisdom and skill. From simple prehistoric designs to the bold bronze patterns of slave societies, to the intricate bird, beast, and lucky motifs of feudal times, including Hanfu patterns, each reflects the unique art vibe of its era.

For a complete look at Hanfu and traditional Chinese clothing, check out this guide, which explains the history, styles, and cultural significance behind each outfit.