Traditional Chinese Mythology and Folklore
Traditional Chinese mythology and folklore (中国神话传说) encompasses the supernatural narratives, legendary heroes, and folk beliefs that have shaped Chinese imagination for millennia — from the cosmic creation myths of Pangu to the adventures of the Monkey King, from the ghost stories of Pu Songling to the urban legends of modern China, Chinese mythology and folklore constitute a rich tradition of storytelling that continues to influence Chinese culture.
Major Mythological Figures and Stories
Chinese mythology includes major figures: "Pangu" (盘古) — the creator who separated heaven and earth; "Nuwa" (女娲) — the goddess who created humanity and repaired the sky; "Fuxi" (伏羲) — the culture hero who taught writing and fishing; "Shen Nong" (神农) — the divine farmer who discovered medicine; the "Three Sovereigns" (三皇) — the mythic founders of civilization; the "Five Emperors" (五帝) — the mythic sage-kings; and the "Four Symbols" (四象) — the celestial guardians of the four directions. These figures appear in texts from the "Shan Hai Jing" (山海经) to the "Records of the Three Kingdoms."
Legendary Heroes and Adventure Stories
Legendary narratives include: "The Monkey King" (孙悟空) — Sun Wukong's journey in "Journey to the West"; "The Cowherd and Weaver Girl" (牛郎织女) — the star-crossed lovers of the Qixi Festival; "The White Snake" (白蛇传) — the love story of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian; "The Legend of the White Snake" (白蛇传) — enduring love across obstacles; "The Eight Immortals" (八仙) — the Eight Immortals crossing the sea; and "The story of Yu the Great" (大禹) — controlling the great flood. These stories are told and retold in literature, opera, film, and daily conversation.
Folk Beliefs and Supernatural Traditions
Chinese folklore includes supernatural beliefs: "ghosts and spirits" (鬼神) — the world of the dead and the supernatural; "fox spirits" (狐仙) — the fox spirits who could become beautiful women; "dragons" (龙) — the benevolent water spirits bringing rain; "nian beast" (年兽) — the monster vanquished by firecrackers at New Year; "red envelopes" (红包) — the money given to ward off evil spirits; and "feng shui" (风水) — geomancy affecting fortune. These beliefs blend Buddhism, Daoism, and indigenous traditions.