Chinese Folk Tales
Read our collection of 94 Chinese folk tales — stories from one of the world’s oldest and richest narrative traditions. Chinese folklore spans over four thousand years, drawing wisdom from Confucian ethics, Taoist philosophy, and Buddhist spirituality.
Our collection includes tales of the Jade Emperor, the Monkey King, the Dragon Kings, filial sons and daughters, clever judges, and magical transformations. Chinese folk tales are distinguished by their emphasis on filial piety, moral virtue, cosmic balance, and the belief that good deeds are always rewarded in the fullness of time.
Each story is retold with cultural authenticity and vivid illustration, making this the ideal collection for exploring Chinese culture, Asian folklore, and Eastern moral philosophy. Perfect for bedtime stories, classroom resources, and multicultural education.
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Jade Emperor’s Birthday Feast
The Jade Emperor's Birthday Feast: In the time before the heavens and earth were fully separated, when the boundaries between the divine and the mortal were
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Judge Bao and the Missing Gold
Judge Bao and the Missing Gold: During a time when justice was not merely an ideal but a practice guarded fiercely by those few with the wisdom and courage to
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Weaver Girl and the Magic Loom
The Weaver Girl and the Magic Loom: In a palace overlooking a city of jade and silk, there lived a young woman named Xiang who possessed a gift that none could
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Legend of Nian
The Legend of Nian: Long ago, before the dynasties grew great and the kingdoms sprawled across the land, there existed a creature of terror known as Nian.
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Dragon’s Pearl
The Dragon's Pearl: In the shadow of mountains that touched the clouds, there lived a poor boy named Wei. His family owned nothing but a small cottage and a
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea
The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea: In the days when the boundary between heaven and earth was thinner than a silk veil, and when the gods still walked among
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Chang’e and the Moon
Chang'e and the Moon: In ancient times, when the world was young and the heavens were still negotiating their final arrangement with the earth, there came a
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Magic Paintbrush of Ma Liang
The Magic Paintbrush of Ma Liang: In a remote village nestled among the misty mountains of ancient China, there lived a boy named Ma Liang. He was the youngest
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Mulan: The Warrior Maiden and the Price of Duty
Mulan: The Warrior Maiden and the Price of Duty: In the provinces of northern China, where the Great Wall stretched like a stone dragon across mountains and
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Legend of the White Snake: Love Beyond Form and Fear
The Legend of the White Snake: Love Beyond Form and Fear: In the misty valleys of ancient China, where dragons still whispered through bamboo groves and
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Monkey King’s Journey to the West: Pride and Redemption
The Monkey King's Journey to the West: Pride and Redemption: Before time itself had been properly counted, when the heavens and earth were still learning to
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Butterfly Lovers: Transcendent Love Beyond Death
The Butterfly Lovers: Transcendent Love Beyond Death: In the southern regions of ancient China, where green mountains rose like sleeping dragons and rivers