This paper aims to explore the expression of traditional visual element symbols in packaging design. In the current social and cultural tide, traditional cultural elements are constantly trying to integrate and co-exist with each other in various fields, and many sparks are generated in this process so that culture and art have richer content and expression forms. The representative visual symbols in traditional cultural elements, Based on their momentum in the current development, realistic effects are analyzed, and then from the reality, the current actual situation is explored, the diverse value and effect of application of the final in-depth internal design are summed up. Finally go deeper into the design, the artistic application of visual symbols such as words and colors are explored by packaging design. The traditional visual symbol is not only a cultural carrier but also a concentrated reflection and expression of people’s social life. Integrating it with packaging design can make the packaging design work more closely to real life, obtain good market prospects, and carry forward the traditional culture in a longer-term.