This paper presents the findings which have arisen from a literature review carried out at the beginning of a three year PHD project, investigating the value and meaning of national icon, and the growing need of sustainable development of Chinese product design. It illustrates how national icon emerges and develops, then considers what influences consumption concept of consumers and domestic manufactured products use. It also clarifies the relationship between national icon and industrial design, reflecting on what effects national icon makes on sustainable development of Chinese product design. The paper concludes by identifying a number of research questions which will be investigated through the remainder of the project.