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Translation of Chinese classical poetry involves far more than a direct linguistic transfer; it requires a systematic mediation across complex cultural contexts. A core difficulty lies in the prevalence of culturally embedded memes, in the sense proposed by Dawkins, which often carry implicit and multi-layered meanings that do not lend themselves to literal translation. In practice, these translation-specific memes are handled through selective adaptation: some are domesticated and simplified to facilitate understanding for Western audiences, whereas others are preserved in their original form to maintain cultural authenticity for readers familiar with East Asian traditions. This study investigates the role of cultural filtering in the English translation of Chinese classical poetry, with a particular focus on how culturally bound memes are negotiated in the translation process. It analyses the strategies employed to mediate cultural distance and identifies key issues that Western readers should consider when interpreting translated poetic texts. The paper first reviews relevant translation theories, then conducts a comparative analysis of five canonical Chinese poems and their English renderings to demonstrate the application of theoretical approaches in practice. To safeguard the interpretive richness of allusive expressions, several recommendations are advanced: results should be presented without reducing the density of cultural allusions; translators should employ cross-cultural metaphors and select an appropriate cross-linguistic register; and the interpretive process should involve audiences with adequate cultural and linguistic competence.