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
All Ages
The Mysterious Buddhist Robe
The Mysterious Buddhist Robe: The short visit which the Emperor Li Shih-ming paid to the Land of Shadows had produced a profound impression on his mind.
Chinese Folk Tales
All Ages
The Monk Of The Yangtze-Kiang
The Monk Of The Yangtze-Kiang: Buddhism took its rise in southern India, on the island of Ceylon. It was there that the son of a Brahminic king lived, who had
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Miserly Farmer
The Miserly Farmer: Once upon a time there was a farmer who had carted pears to market. Since they were very sweet and fragrant, he hoped to get a good price
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Maiden Who Was Stolen Away
The Maiden Who Was Stolen Away: In the western portion of the old capital city of Lo Yang there was a ruined cloister, in which stood an enormous pagoda
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Magic Cask
The Magic Cask: Once upon a time there was a man who dug up a big, earthenware cask in his field. So he took it home with him and told his wife to clean it out.
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Lady Of The Moon
The Lady Of The Moon: In the days of the Emperor Yau lived a prince by the name of Hou I, who was a mighty hero and a good archer. Once ten suns rose together
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Little Hunting Dog
The Little Hunting Dog: Once upon a time, in the city of Shansi, there lived a scholar who found the company of others too noisy for him. So he made his home
Chinese Folk Tales
All Ages
The Kingdom Of The Ogres
The Kingdom Of The Ogres: In the land of Annam there once dwelt a man named Su, who sailed the seas as a merchant. Once his ship was suddenly driven on a
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The King Of The Ants
The King Of The Ants: Once upon a time there was a scholar, who wandered away from his home and went to Emmet village. There stood a house which was said to be
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The King Of Huai Nan
The King Of Huai Nan: was a learned man of the Han dynasty. Since he was of the blood royal the emperor had given him a kingdom in fee. He cultivated the
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Herd Boy And The Weaving Maiden
The Herd Boy And The Weaving Maiden: The Herd Boy was the child of poor people. When he was twelve years old, he took service with a farmer to herd his cow.
Chinese Folk Tales
All Ages
The Kindly Magician
The Kindly Magician: Once upon a time there was a man named Du Dsi Tschun. In his youth he was a spendthrift and paid no heed to his property. He was given to