Based on the conceptual metaphor theory of cognitive linguistics

this study combs and analyzes the spatial metaphors in LaoZi

explores the cognitive models behind them

and makes a comparison between the similarities and differences of spatial metaphors in the English translations of LaoZi by Liu Dianjue and Han Lubo. The results show that: (1) one spatial metaphor in LaoZi has two opposite meanings

and there are metaphorical meanings of both “Good is SHANG” and “Good is XIA”; the metaphorical meanings of “respect for ZUO

disrespect for YOU”

and “respect for YOU

disrespect for ZUO”. Metaphorical meaning is influenced by the cultural diversity at that time

which shows the mutual existence of culture and metaphor. At the same time

the opposite metaphorical meaning can also reveal Lao Tzu’s idea that all things are mutually complementary. (2) The differences between the two English versions of LaoZi in the translation of “Shang Xia”“Zuo You” spatial metaphors are mainly reflected in whether the metaphorical meaning is embodied or not

which is caused by the differences in five cognitive dimensions: prominence

perspective

detail

background and scope.