In this article, we reviewed the analysis of the specifics of Russian and Chinese phraseological units and proverbs with a zoomorphic component, described the distinctive features of the images and connotations of animals in China and Russia. The paper considers such a method of teaching the specifics of Russian and Chinese phraseological units and proverbs with a zoomorphic component as the use of a graphic-symbolic analysis of the linguodidactic potential of zoomorphic phraseological units and proverbs. The object of the research is Russian and Chinese zoonyms. The subject of the study is a comparative analysis of the linguistic and cultural characteristics of zoomorphic phraseological units and proverbs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the linguistic and cultural features of Russian and Chinese zoomorphic vocabulary in phraseological units and proverbs. The set goal involves the solution of the following tasks: to present the theoretical and methodological foundations of the study of phraseology; consider the symbolism of animals; identify and describe the linguistic and cultural characteristics of zoomorphic phraseological units of the Russian and Chinese languages; to describe the linguodidactic potential of zoomorphic phraseology in the framework of teaching a foreign language. The theoretical significance of the work lies in the continuation of the study of the ethnosemantic specifics of Chinese and Russian phraseological units and proverbs in the aspect of linguistic culture. The main provisions of the study can form the basis for further theoretical developments on the problem under consideration. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of preventing Chinese students from making mistakes in Chinese and Russian phraseological units and proverbs. The material of the presented research can be used in the preparation of training courses for teaching Russian pronunciation to Chinese students, as well as in the development of special courses on linguistic culture. Research methods were chosen in accordance with the object, subject, purpose and objectives of the study: continuous sampling, descriptive, semantic-stylistic, comparative, component analysis. Through a comparative analysis of the symbolic images of animals in Russian and Chinese culture, this article analyzes the role of animals in the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries. In order to promote the development of China and Russia, we must better understand the cultural differences between the two countries.