This study investigates multimodal metaphorical representations in the Sino-British co-produced documentary *Through the Seasons: China*. Using Nvivo 12 plus, it combines quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze multimodal metaphors, modal characteristics, and cognitive rationales. Key findings include the categorization of multimodal metaphorical representations into two primary categories and five sub-categories, with implicit source-verbal and pictorial target as the primary representation. The study also analyzes the modes employed (verbal, pictorial, verbal-pictorial, and implicit), and the cognitive justifications for the multimodal approach, considering genre attributes, purpose, and audience experiences. The research contributes to multimodal metaphor theory and offers practical applications for documentary filmmaking and audience multimodal literacy.

Xixi Wei