Chapter One: Lucky Encounters with Lucky Cats
Discovering the Cats of China
When we first arrived in China, we never expected that some of our fondest memories would come from its cats. They seemed to appear everywhere, exploring the world with their humans in the most delightful ways. We saw kě ài (cute) cats peeking out from backpacks, their tiny furry faces turning curiously as their owners shopped at markets. Others sat regally in baby strollers, observing the world with calm confidence. Some walked proudly on colourful leashes, while others balanced effortlessly on the backs of motorbikes, their fur catching the warm air as they passed by.
Everywhere we turned there was another cat, another reason to smile, and another small reminder of how joy can be found in unexpected places. These encounters showed us a side of daily life in Chinese cities that was full of tenderness and harmony, a kind of universal love that needed no translation.
A Heartwarming Night Market Encounter
One summer evening, while exploring a lively night market, we came across something that left a deep impression. The air was full of the scent of sizzling food, the soft glow of lanterns, and the hum of chatter. Among the stalls, a small booth stood out, surrounded by locals. The sign above it reminded us of the “Cat Distribution System.” At first, we laughed at the name, but soon realised it was a small animal rescue giving away xiǎo māo (kittens) for adoption.
Each kitten had been vaccinated and cared for, waiting to be taken into a loving home. Watching families gently hold them, we saw hope in the kittens’ bright eyes and felt moved by the kindness of the people around us. Though we couldn’t bring one home, that moment stayed with us. It spoke to the compassion and connection that can exist in even the busiest of places.
Finding the Symbolism of the Lucky Cat
A few days later, in a shopping centre, we spotted a claw machine filled with cat figurines. We couldn’t resist trying our luck and eventually caught a small beige calico cat, its paw raised in a friendly wave. A local explained that each colour of the Chinese Lucky Cat carries a special meaning. White stands for purity and happiness, gold represents wealth and prosperity, red brings good health and long life, black protects from negativity, and beige symbolises harmony and balance.
Holding that little beige cat, I realised it was more than a decoration. It was a symbol of optimism and warmth, something that made us feel connected to the culture around us. It reminded us that yùn qi (luck) often appears when you are open to seeing it.
Chinese Marketing Creativity and Charm
As we continued our journey, we began to notice how deeply cats were woven into Chinese art and everyday design. They appeared in shopfronts, on snack packaging, on nǎi chá (bubble tea) cooler bags, and in billboards across the cities. One of our favourite discoveries was a bubble tea tote bag decorated with two smiling cats dressed in shark ponchos. The image was so charming that we ordered extra drinks just to take another bag home. It was a perfect example of the creativity and warmth that defines Chinese marketing; playful, meaningful, and irresistibly cute.
From Travel Memories to the Lucky Cat Wall Art Design
Those many encounters with cats and the kindness of the people we met eventually inspired our own creation: the Lucky Cat (Zhāo Cái Māo) Wall Art. We wanted to capture the same feeling of happiness and good fortune that surrounded us during our travels. Every detail was designed to reflect the warmth and spirit of Chinese culture while bringing a sense of balance and positivity into any space.
Every time we see the Lucky Cat wall art in our living room, it reminds us of the cats in backpacks that made us smile, the joy of a triumphant claw machine win, and the kindness of people offering a better life to stray kittens. Happiness does not always arrive in grand ways. It often tiptoes into our lives, soft and unexpected, through small acts of love and gratitude.
