In Chinese, the number 8 is a very auspicious number. When written in Chinese character, ba 八 is shaped as though it begins small at the top and ends wide at the bottom. Its visual appearance signifies growth and prosperity.

This is why the Beijing Olympics 北京奥运会 (Beijing Aoyunhui) began on August 8, 2008, the day of “triple eight” (2008-08-08).

In the mainland China, the number eight has a strong connection with the Communist Revolution, with its military forces, the People’s Liberation Army 中国人民解放军 (Zhongguo Renmin Jiefangjun), was originally called the Eighth Route Army 八路军 (Balujun) and was founded on August 1 八一 (Bayi).

On the other hand, four 四 (si) is considered a very unlucky number as it sounds similar (albeit in different tones) to the word for death 死 (si). It is a taboo, for example, to give anyone a gift in an increment of four (like a four-pack of anything).