The work aims to study the application of Zhuang cultural elements in packaging design, so as to analyze the interaction between packaging design and local knowledge, and explore the cultural value, application mode and integration mechanism of local knowledge in packaging design. With the theory of "local knowledge" as the perspective and basis, the packaging design elements were connected to construct the Zhuang local knowledge system. The thick description of design anthropology and the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) were used to interpret and clarify the national gene, cultural myth and design symbol of Zhuang cultural elements and explore the pathway of applying Zhuang cultural elements in packaging design. Zhuang cultural elements were based on the identity of local knowledge, and were used in the positioning, style and characteristics of packaging design to enhance consumers' cultural imagination and experience. From the perspective of local knowledge, packaging design can further realize the conscious and differentiated development of national culture, and promote the development and innovation of packaging design from the aspects of form and content, culture and experience.