General Qi Jiguang Paifang

Bat: The Chinese often use sound and pictures to convey a meaning. For instance, the bat is a symbol of happiness because fu, the Chinese word for bat, also sounds like the Chinese word for happiness (also fu but with a different tone). Therefore, bat designs could be frequently seen in the ancient Paifang, which symbolized the five blessings of longevity, health, wealth, safety, and prosperity of offspring.
Deer: The deer is a symbol of promotion and consequently wealth, because the Chinese translation for the word "deer" sounds like lu, which in ancient China literally meant the salary of an official and is a pun on the word for wealth.
Fish: Along with a pond and lotus, the design of fish could be commonly seen in Paifang, which is meant to convey the wish that people can enjoy a surplus, such as financial security, year after year. Also, in ancient China the design of "a carp swimming across waves" symbolized academic success in the imperial examination, as the carp is a good fortune symbol known for its legendary courage to swim against rapid currents.

In addition, carvings of some other animals like cranes, tortoises, and kylins (mythical composite creatures), and plants like pine, lotus, and peony, were also common themes to convey blessings of good fortune.

In ancient China, the inscriptions carved on the beams of the Paifang reflected the people's life aspirations and Chinese moral values. Building the Paifang was an important folk ritual in feudal society. The event marking the erecting of Paifangs was considered very solemn.

What's more, in ancient China with its rigid hierarchical system, it was necessary to build a Paifang through a set of complex procedures. The Paifang marking academic success in the imperial examination required the approval from local officials, while the Paifangs marking one's chastity, benevolence, or virtue were not allowed to be built without the permission of the emperor. Even the Paifang's size and the style were chosen according to one's social status.