This article investigates metaphorical and metonymical extension of Chinese classifiers. A working definition of Chinese classifiers is determined in relation to Chinese measure words in the first place. Explored subsequently are (1)metaphorical extension of Chinese classifiers in terms of metaphorical theme, vehicle, and analogy and (2)metonymical extension of Chinese classifiers in terms of various schemas of metonymic association. It is found that figurative meanings or usages of Chinese classifiers arise from syntagmatic or paradigmatic extension and that a Chinese classifier concatenates with a succeeding noun to form a metaphor- and metonymy-rich phrasal construction, which is a distinctive feature in contrast with other types of Chinese measure words.