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 6-8
The Halos Of The Saints
The Halos Of The Saints: In ancient China, during a time when Buddhism was spreading throughout the land and changing how people understood the world, there
Chinese Folk Tales
All Ages
The Heartless Husband
The Heartless Husband: In olden times Hanchow was the capital of Southern China, and for that reason a great number of beggars had gathered there. These
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Great Flood
The Great Flood. Kids-friendly retelling with setting, characters, moral, and a lesson for today.
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The God Of War
The God Of War: Guan Di, was really named Guan Yu. At the time when the rebellion of the Yellow Turbans was raging throughout the empire, he, together with two
Chinese Folk Tales
All Ages
The Golden Canister
The Golden Canister: In the days of the Tang dynasty there lived a certain count in the camp at Ludschou. He had a slave who could play the lute admirably, and
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Girl With The Horse’s Head Or The Silkworm Goddess
The Girl With The Horse's Head Or The Silkworm Goddess: In the dim ages of the past there once was an old man who went on a journey. No one remained at home
Chinese Folk Tales
All Ages
The God Of The City
The God Of The City: One evening in the distant past a fisherman anchored his boat near the bank of a stream which flowed close by a great city, whose walls
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Ghost Who Was Foiled
The Ghost Who Was Foiled: There are ghosts of many kinds, but the ghosts of those who have hung themselves are the worst. Such ghosts are always coaxing other
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Fox And The Raven
The Fox And The Raven: The fox knows how to flatter, and how to play many cunning tricks. Once upon a time he saw a raven, who alighted on a tree with a piece
Chinese Folk Tales
All Ages
The Frog Princess
The Frog Princess: There where the Yangtze-kiang has come about half-way on its course to the sea, the Frog King is worshiped with great devotion. He has a
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Flying Ogre
A Chinese Buddhist folk tale about a wandering monk, a terrified girl in a red coat, and a shape-shifting ogre — a gentle lesson about truth, pity, and clear sight.
Chinese Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
The Fire-God
The Fire-God. Kids-friendly retelling with setting, characters, moral, and a lesson for today.