One of the main spiritual influences in Chinese art is Taoism. Taoism emphasizes nature, simplicity, and harmony. This philosophy is reflected in Chinese paintings, which often portray natural landscapes and the beauty of the natural world. Chinese artists are known for their use of symbolism, which often includes animals and plants that are commonly associated with Taoism.
SOURCE: Japanese chrysanthemum (1368 - 1644) color woodblock print by Hu Zhengyan. Original public domain image from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.