This paper performs a cultural and historical analysis of the symbolism in the figurative motivation of lotus flower in Chinese culture, and how it penetrates different expressions of figurative language, like idioms and proverbs. To do so, the Cognitive Theory of Figurative Language by Dobrovol'skij and Piirainen (2005) is followed. This plant represents some specific symbols of China, namely, moral rules, religious beliefs, traditions, superstitions, among others. Its main features and virtues are seen as cultural symbols through figurative language, which includes creative poetic metahpros, lexicalized phraseological units, and proverbs. In addition, it is attributed some qualities in Chinese culture, e.g. purity, feminine beauty, eternal love, and harmony of marriage, and is a symbol for motherhood in terms of phonic motivation. By the same token, it becomes a symbol of ideal virtues, such as honesty, justice, nobility, etc.