Goldfish on lantern, As with most Chinese symbols, the carp has a legend attached to it. According to legend, the carp is noted for its strength and bravery because it swims against the current, upwards, ‘mastering’ falls to a gate on the Yellow River called Dragon Gate. According to some the carp turns into the revered Celestial Dragon when it makes a final leap over the last rapids; street scene, China Town, Bangkok