Along with the plum, orchid and chrysanthemum, bamboo is one of China's four favorite plants.
Symbolizing what are known as the "Four Men of Honor," these plants are essential to ancient Chinese culture and tradition. Most garden sin the country have bamboo. Everything from chopsticks and umbrellas to flutes and paint brushes are made from bamboo. Cities throughout China hold annual bamboo festivals and many people keep bamboo shoots in their homes for good luck.