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, which makes culture and art have more abundant contents and forms of expression. The starting point is the representative of the traditional culture elements of visual symbols. On the basis of its momentum in the current development and the reality, the current actual situation is explored, the diverse value and effect of application are summed up, and the artistic application of visual symbols such as text and color in packaging design is explored. 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 close to the real life, obtain good market prospect, and carry forward the traditional culture in a longer term.