Abstract:A variety of fishes were used in Chinese traditional gardens due to their important functions while fishing was also applied indirectly in different kinds of ways. However, the research about fish and fishing is absent at present. The important functions and application ways were studied from the aspects of ornamental and entertainment functions, cultural meaning, ecological functions, artistic conception, and freeing captive animals based on analyzing the application history of fish in Chinese traditional gardens. Then fishing in traditional gardens was researched from the aspects of garden theme, garden architecture, and landscape theme. Lastly the connotation analysis of fish and fishing in traditional gardens was completed.