Pine, bamboo and plum have always been regarded by Chinese as the most beloved plants because they all thrive through the cold winter, just like friends who cherish the same ideas welcoming the advent of the spring together. For this very reasonable, they are called "Three Friends in Cold Weather", symbolizing the noble characters esteemed and pursued by Chinese.

In China, the figure of "Three Friends in Cold Weather" is very common, which can be seen on containers, clothes and infrastructures. People with lofty ideals respect them for their pride and honor, while the common ones for their ever-lasting energy.

Pines are ever-green trees with strong vitality. They flourish even in cold winter, for this very resonable, they are honored with a character of strong will. However, they are more generally regarded as the symbol of longevity among the masses.

When the day of Cold Dew arrives, many plants are withered, while bamboo survives and flourishes as usual in the cold wind. Because bamboo has hollow joints and is upstanding, it is gifted with characters of inflexibility and modesty and is honored as a "Gentle". While Chinese have the folk custom of firing the bamboo cracker to break away from the old and evil, bamboo is also regarded as the symbol for security and auspice, as shown in the traditional decorative paintings.

The plum is one kind of the famous flowers of China. They are appreciated for their nobleness, purity and modesty which encourage people to improve themselves. Therefore they have always been cherished and extolled by Chinese poets in the past. Plums are also characterized as the advent of good news. Stories about plum and its meaning have been widely spread for a long time.

There are still some other plants, such as chrysanthemum, orchid and lotus that are given a noble character mostly aspired after by people.