In Chinese tradition, the carp is an auspicious creature, capable of transforming itself into a dragon, and the expression "a carp leaping past Dragon Gate" is a metaphor for career success.
中國人認為鯉魚是魚之主形，既可愛又能神變。傳言它能化為乘龍，是一種靈異祥瑞的動物。「鯉躍龍門」，也成為飛黃騰達的寫照。