Orchids are collectively known in Chinese as" lan (兰)" or "lanhua" (兰花). They are highly valued for their delicate fragrance and always associated with elegance.

Chinese Orchid Painting: they are specially associated with women, love, and beauty; and secondly, with virtue, moral excellence, and the "refinement of the superior man (a learned and cultured gentleman), whose reputation precedes him like perfume."

Chinese ganoderma & Orchid Fengshui Painting: (君子之交) Ochids are commonly used as an alternative symbol for the lotus to represent the season "summer." Their most common symbolism in art is when they are depicted togrther with ganoderma in the combination known as zhilan (芝兰) to symbolize noble character and true friendship. 

Chinese Sweet Osmanthus & Orchid Feng Shui Painting: When orchids are depicted flowering together with the sweet osmanthus, known in Chinese as guihua (桂花), the combination is known as lan gui qifang (兰桂齐芳), which represents the hope of descendants would be thriving and dignitary.