Metaphoric reference is a special type of reference. This paper discusses the classifications, patterns and pragmatic functions of metaphoric reference in Chinese. It is found that the vehicle in the metaphoric reference refers both back and forward to the antecedent. In accordance with similarities and differences between the tenor and vehicle, two types of metaphoric reference are distinguished: conventionalized and novel ones, of which the former being more frequently used. Also, five types patterns are identified in metaphoric reference, i.e., P+NP, NP+NP, S(s)+NP, NP+P and NP+S(s). Metaphoric reference has the following pragmatic functions: concise and vivid expression, adding information, evaluating and euphemising.