Chinese Folk Tales

Year of the Horse Special | The Right Strategy and the Hidden Luck

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:25:00 GMT

Would you lose one race to win the whole match? Ancient strategist Sun Bin proved that smart matchups beat raw speed. And sometimes, what looks like bad luck… isn't. From "Tian Ji's Horse Racing" to "Sai Weng Lost His Horse," two stories about timing, patience, and perspective. (01:04) The Story of Tian Ji's Horse Racing — How to Lose One Race and Win the Game (06:21) The Story of Sai Weng Losing His Horse — When Bad Luck Turns Out to Be Good

Year of the Horse Special | The Noble Steed and the Toad: Lessons in Judgment and Talent

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:00:00 GMT

From "Bo Le Discerns a Noble Steed" to "Mistaking a Toad for a Horse," two short Chinese horse-related tales tell big lessons about talent, judgment, and flexibility. (01:05) The story of Bo Le Discerns a Noble Steed (06:21) The story of Mistaking a Toad for a Horse

Year of the Horse Special | The Silent Hero: The White Dragon Horse Part 2

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:00:00 GMT

He rarely spoke. He never boasted. But in the Baoxiang Kingdom, when everyone else failed, the White Dragon Horse drew his sword and revealed his true courage. As the Year of the Horse approaches, listen to this powerful chapter from the classic "Journey to the West."

Year of the Horse Special | The Silent Hero: The White Dragon Horse Part 1

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:25:00 GMT

A dragon-turned horse. A punishment-turned pilgrimage. In this episode of Chinese Folk Tales, we tell the story of the White Dragon Horse from the classic "Journey to the West" — a silent hero for the Year of the Horse.

Trailer | Ancient Horse Tales for the Year of the Horse

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:14:00 GMT

As the Year of the Horse approaches, we're saddling up for a journey through China's timeless horse tales. From Bo Le spotting true talent, to Tian Ji's clever race, to the White Dragon Horse of Journey to the West—these aren't just old stories. They're lessons in vision, resilience, and strategy. Gallop into the Year of the Horse with us.

Xinjiang Series | Lively Stories, Vibrant Streets: My Xinjiang Adventure

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:16:00 GMT

In this special episode of "Chinese Folk Tales", our journalist Bianca takes you on an unforgettable journey through Xinjiang — from the vibrant Grand Bazaar of Urumqi to the Frog Alley of Turpan. She bites into freshly baked nang, stands before the legendary Flaming Mountains straight out of the classic novel "Journey to the West", and dives into local life for a truly immersive experience. Curious to know what surprised her most? Hit play and join the adventure! 00:00 — Off to Xinjiang! 02:36 — Urumqi Unveiled: Bazaar Buzz & Nang Coffee 07:20 — Into the Flaming Mountain: Where Monkey King "Left His Mark" 09:57 — Walking Through History: The Jiaohe Ruins 11:13 — Frog Valley Legends 13:24 — Back in Studio: Stories, Snacks & Memories

Xinjiang Series | A doctor's healing bowl and Xinjiang's famous lamb pilaf

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 01:31:00 GMT

Over a thousand years ago, an aging doctor discovered that sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of food. In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we follow the story of Shou Zhua Fan – Xinjiang's fragrant lamb pilaf eaten with bare hands which is a dish that heals, nourishes, and forges community connections. More than a dish, it's a story you can taste.

Xinjiang Series | A roadside chicken dish-turned Xinjiang's culinary icon

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:02:00 GMT

Tender chicken, spicy chilies, saucy potatoes, and chewy noodles – all piled high on one massive plate. More than just food, Big Plate Chicken is a tale of drivers, highways, and the irresistible joy of sharing a meal. In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we dish out the flavorful story behind Dapanji – the "Big Plate Chicken" that won the hearts of many.

Xinjiang Series | A shepherd's dough hat and Xinjiang's beloved nang

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Under the blazing sun of the Taklamakan Desert, one shepherd's clumsy mishap gave birth to a timeless treasure. In this bonus episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we trace the quirky legend of Turhong and his "dough hat" that turned into Xinjiang's most beloved flatbread – Nang. Crispy, golden, and steeped in tradition, Nang is more than food – it's a story shared and enjoyed across vast regions of the world.

Xinjiang Series | Professor Zhang: "Loong" is not to be interpreted as a "dragon"

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Prof. Zhang Juwen argues that translating "龙" as "dragon" perpetuates colonial discourse. The Chinese loong embodies benevolence, ethics, and hope, fundamentally different from the Western concept. True cross-cultural exchange requires a firm challenge to entrenched stereotypes.

Xinjiang Series | Professor Zhang on how folk tales bridge cultures

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Folklore expert Professor Zhang Juwen reveals how ancient Chinese folk tales, while adapting, retain their core ethics, fostering global connections and face-to-face bonding in a digital world.

Xinjiang Series | The secret behind Xinjiang's sweet grapes

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 01:24:00 GMT

Once upon a time, the desert kingdom lay choked by yellow dust from raging sandstorms, waiting for a miracle to change its fate. How did it transform into a land renowned for its sweet fruits? This episode reveals the answer. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.

Xinjiang Series | The singing tree

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 01:36:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered how the very first stringed instrument came into being? Maybe this story can explain the birth of the very special Dombra. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.

Xinjiang Series | Tale of Boston Lake: the trial of love

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 01:55:00 GMT

When times get tough, the Dragon King descends from Heaven to battle the drought – but the arrival of a mysterious demon girl throws everything into disarray. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.

Xinjiang Series | The village girl who became a legend

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 01:34:00 GMT

Born in a small village, she captures the king's heart and rises to greatness, leaving a mark on history with her mastery of Xinjiang's unique Muqam music. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.

Xinjiang Series | Witty Afanti's golden revenge

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Gold coins appear where no one expects…Afanti and his trusty donkey are at it again, showing a greedy man that greed isn't golden. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.

Xinjiang Series | Witty Afanti buys the tree shade

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:31:00 GMT

Meet the legendary donkey-riding Afanti, renowned for his clever solutions. With the wit sharper than any sword, Afanti can always hatch a clever plan to turn the tables – teaching the arrogant miser an unforgettable a lesson in generosity. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.

Trailer｜Xinjiang Folk Tales: Ancient Legends and Fantastical Stories

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:49:00 GMT

In this new series of Chinese Folk Tales, we journey to Xinjiang — the vast and enchanting land in far northwest China, home to many ethnic groups that hold a rich reservoir of stories passed down through generations. It's on this land that a witty man rides his donkey backwards, a sacred lake is guarded by ancient spirits, and girls weave tradition into their long braids. Listen to "Chinese Folk Tales: Xinjiang" and discover a Xinjiang you've never seen before.

The legend behind 'Black Myth: Zhong Kui'

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:04:00 GMT

Following "Black Myth: Wukong", the new project delves into the legend of Zhong Kui, the fierce ghost hunter of traditional Chinese folklore. For centuries, from the dreams of the Tang Dynasty to the traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, this figure has been revered as the protector of people and their homes. Now, his legend is ready to come alive again.

Nezha conquers the sea(video)

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

"Ne Zha 2" is a global hit, but in China, Nezha has been a legendary folk hero for centuries! Watch the video and discover the classic tale of "Nezha Conquers the Sea"!

The Original Tale of Blockbuster Film Character Nezha

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:30:00 GMT

The animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has made history—becoming the first Chinese and first Asian film to surpass 10 billion yuan at the box office, securing its place in the global TOP 10! But what about the original legend of Nezha? Has Nezha always been the fearless trailblazer we see on screen? In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales," we're telling a story full of magic, power, and a spirit that never gives up!

Bonus episode: The mythical tale of the Chinese dragon (video)

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT

In this video, join us on a journey through time as we unravel a story behind the legendary creature "Loong" and explore how it has come to represent an array of awe-inspiring qualities and blessings.

Bonus episode: The mythical tale of the Chinese dragon

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:44:00 GMT

In this special edition, we're waving goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and welcoming the Year of the Loong, or the Year of the Chinese Dragon. Join us on a journey through time as we unravel a story behind this legendary creature and explore how it has come to represent an array of awe-inspiring qualities and blessings.

S3E20: Sun Moon Lake

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:06:00 GMT

China has some incredible landscapes and science tells us how they have been shaped over millions of years of evolution. Yes, we know about the movements of the earth, of volcanoes, the power of wind and rain. But ancient stories suggest maybe... just maybe other forces have been at work creating the Sun Moon Lake.

S3E19: The reward of truthful souls

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 01:18:00 GMT

Once upon a time, there was a kind and brave young man who ventured up a mountain, fought a monster and saved a princess. This story teaches that doing good things and telling the truth will make everything turn out right.

S3E18: Mulan

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 01:13:00 GMT

The ancient story of Mulan is an old favorite of many, made more popular outside China with grand movies in recent years. Join us in reliving the life and times of courageous Mulan.

S3E17: The Peacock Princess

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 05:46:00 GMT

Do you know that for some people the peacock is a symbol of happiness? The Dai people consider it a holy bird and the traditional Peacock Dance is still very popular nowadays. We have a love story to tell you, from thousands of years ago when Peacock princesses could fly.

S3E16: Threads of wonder: When brocade comes to life

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:57:00 GMT

A widow is inspired to create a work of such beauty in our next tale that the fairies steal it away. But the story is really about the son's true and steadfast love for his mother.

S3E15: A fantasy voyage of King Mu of Zhou

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 03:02:00 GMT

In this episode, prepare to be spellbound as we explore the extraordinary adventures of King Mu of Zhou, a legendary ruler who embarked on a remarkable voyage into the enchanting realms of magic and wonder.

S3E14: Divine farmer(video)

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:00:00 GMT

In this video, let's meet the mythical hero Shen Nong who is said to be the father of the great system of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It’s said that one day alone, he ate more than 70 different kinds of plants, roots, stems, leaves, and took notes to describe the effect they had on him... According to legend, he was the son of a princess and a heavenly dragon; maybe that made him special and made him able to resist the worst poisons? Or maybe he was an ordinary man, who was either very stupid, or very, very, lucky...

S3E14: Divine farmer

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 06:53:00 GMT

Our story pays tribute to the mythical hero Shen Nong who is said to be the father of the great system of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. When you think about it, there must have been someone many, many years ago who was brave enough to try and work out what plants might heal at the risk of discovering those that harm.

S3E13: Inventor Lu Ban(video)

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Did you know that many of the things we use today are credited to one man. Check out the video to know the tale of Lu Ban.

S3E13: Inventor Lu Ban

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:27:00 GMT

I bet you know all about the many, marvellous and ingenious objects Chinese inventors have created over the centuries. But did you know that many of the things we use today are credited to one man? Here we tell the tale of Lu Ban.

S3E12: The cowherd and the weaving maiden(video)

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

The Qixi Festival, which is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. In this video, we take you to discover the mythical romance between Niulang and Zhinyu, or the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, who were allowed to meet just once a year. Join us for a captivating journey through ancient "Chinese Folk Tales."

S3E12: The cowherd and the weaving maiden

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 01:44:00 GMT

Two lovers take center stage in our next story in one of the great Chinese Folk Tales. Join us for the romance of Zhi Nyu and Niu Lang, the weaving girl and the cowherd who are allowed to meet just once a year.

S3E11: The King of Huainan

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 02:16:00 GMT

Our story here is a reminder not to be too self-centered. We learn how sometimes we can get so wrapped up in hunting for our own happiness that we forget to look after others.

S3E10: Friendship legend

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:05:00 GMT

Intertwined by fate and bound together through music, this is one of the most well-known stories about friendship in China. Tune in as we unravel the tale of two souls and their unyielding friendship that will warm your heart and inspire you.

S3E9: The horse-head fiddle

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 02:07:00 GMT

This story tells of how a great friendship led to the creation of a beautiful, historic musical instrument. Listen to the legend of Ma Tou Qin, or the horse-head fiddle.

S3E8: The tale of the Morning Star

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 01:58:00 GMT

This story is all about how sometimes when we think we have lost something precious we find it has been with us all the time.

S3E7: The miserly farmer

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 02:01:00 GMT

The story serves as a cautionary tale, raising awareness about possible repercussions of being needlessly miserly.

S3E6: Laozi went out of Hangu Pass

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 02:00:00 GMT

Laozi is one of the most famous ancient Chinese philosophers and in our story he tells us that money isn't everything and that maybe we should be happy with what we have.

S3E5: Why there is only one sun in the sky

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 02:41:00 GMT

When you look up into the sky –there is only one sun. But in this story, there were TEN!

S3E4: The Great Flood

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:54:00 GMT

Stories often tell us how it's a good idea to be kind, especially to people we don't know. In this tale we find out that kindness can have more than its own reward.

S3E3: Why Cat and Dog are Enemies

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Great things can happen when we work together and in this story we remember the importance of honesty, and the benefits of collaboration.

S3E2: The Three Rhymsters

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 02:09:00 GMT

What does it mean to be clever? Even if you are book smart are you really as clever as you think you are?

S3E1: The Treasure Bird

Wed, 31 May 2023 16:00:00 GMT

This is a story all about greed and how taking more than you need could end up costing you everything.

Season 3 Trailer

Tue, 23 May 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Revisiting ancient and beloved Chinese Folk Tales because all the best stories have something to teach, and when we hear old folk tales once again it's clear that the moral of the story is as true today as it ever was. Season 3 is coming in June!

The Chinese Cinderella

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Everyone knows the Cinderella story, but did you know that there was a Chinese Cinderella story, from over 1,500 years ago? Instead of a fairy god mother, it was a fish and an old man that helped the Chinese Cinderella get to her ball. Did she have crystal shoes too? Well, sort of but not quite.

The boy Chen Xiang and the Lotus Lamp

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 16:00:00 GMT

The Hua Mountain in China is known for its steepness and legend has it that it was split open by a little boy named Chen Xiang. Why would he do that and how did he do that?

The Tale of the White Snake Fairy

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Once upon a time, a White Snake Fairy fell in love with a young man in the mortal world. Marriage followed and all was well until the Dragon Boat Festival came around. What happened during the festival and did the husband ever find out about her true identity?

Lady Mengjiang weeping over the Great Wall

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Have you been to the Great Wall in Beijing or the Pyramids in Egypt? Have you ever wondered how these were built, one stone on top of another, without any modern machinery? These wonders of the world are so awe-inspiring to look at, but on the other hand, they were also built with the lives of so many. Here is one sad legend about the Great Wall.

Famous ancient Chinese weapons

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

If you feel like you've had enough of fairies, monsters and magical beasts, don't go away, because today's show will be about ancient weapons, some with magical powers of their own. Swords, daggers and tales of revenge!

The Chinese Door Gods

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

If you have the opportunity to travel around the countryside in China, you might notice these fierce looking gods painted on red paper pasted onto the family gates. Who are these and what are they for?

The Eight Immortals crossing the sea

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wished that you could live like a fairy or some sort of immortal? The immortals are known to live a carefree life in Chinese culture, but there was this really famous gang of Eight Immortals that actually got into a lot of trouble. What happened?

The man who lived for 800 years

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

What would it be like to live for 800 years? As far as I know, only a few historical characters could know about that. A man named Peng Zu was among them. What was his secret?

The Legend of Jiang Ziya

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Jiang Ziya was an unusual old man, a household name in China, even though he lived some three thousand years ago. Many remember him as this kind and wise old man from the TV series in the 1990s, someone who always knew the right thing to do and also had a clever plan.

The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

People have been celebrating Valentine's Day since the year 496 in the west. Is there a similar celebration in China? Yes and no. We do have a Valentine's Day but it all started with a rather sad story, involving once again, the Queen Mother of the West.

Tales of Immortality and the Doughnut Peach

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Would anyone like to learn a thing or two about becoming an immortal? What about some pills from the Queen Mother of the West and throw in some doughnut peaches too! Interested?

Magical Plants from Ancient China

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

In the past few episodes, we've talked about some magical creatures in Chinese mythology, have you ever wondered if there were any magical plants? Today, I will introduce two fascinating plants that I hope had really existed. Actually, I wish they were still around.

The impartial monster Xie Zhi

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

After stories of evil monsters, I would like to introduce a nice and good one called “Xie Zhi”. The mythical creature looks a bit like a goat, or at least initially it did, except that it has only one horn. Xie Zhi loathes liars, and his horn was reserved for people who did bad things and then lied about it, basically criminals.

Monster Piggy Bank

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

What do you say to a gold-stuffed piggy bank? Yes, please! That's what I would say. There was such a monster according to Chinese folk tales. Its name is Pi Xiu and it didn't look quite as cute as a pink pig.

The Greedy Monster Chaos

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

I'm not sure if other cultures have their symbols for greediness, in China, we have the monster named Tao Tie, the two characters also stand for a "big feast"! I guess you can make that connection. So what's he like?

Poor Monster Hun Tun

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Monsters come in all shape and sizes, but you probably haven't heard of one like this! With a name of Hun Tun, or Chaos, the monster can't be good.

The Phoenix and the Roc Bird

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Sure you've heard of the magical bird that arises from ashes, yes, the phoenix. But that's the ancient Greek species. In this episode, we will talk about the Chinese phoenix and also another kind of giant bird. Intrigued?

Dragons in Chinese culture

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Today we turn our attention from emperors and giants to magical creatures in Chinese history. The one leading the way is of course the dragon. Hard to say whether or not they actually existed, but it's certainly a crucial symbol for the Chinese people. Have you ever thought about keeping a dragon as a pet? Someone did.

Xia Dynasty and Family Under Heaven

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Thirty-one episodes into our podcast we are approaching the end of the ancient part of Chinese history and the start of the first known dynasty in China, called Xia. The founder of the Xia Dynasty was the son of the Great Yu and he was born out of a rock. How did that happen?

Great Yu and the Nine Tripods

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Great Yu spent years of his life taming the floods, only to have his work eaten up by a monster with nine heads...of snakes! Would it help to chop off those heads? Yes, but that led to problems of another kind. How did the Great Yu deal with all this?

The Great Yu fighting the floods

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The great man Yu is so important in Chinese history that we are devoting three episodes related to him. Today's story is about how he tamed the floods and how he passed his own house three times and never went in. Why didn't he?

Fighting flood with magical mud

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

In some sense, history is a record of the great disasters that have befallen the human race, one of which is flooding. How did ancient Chinese combat the floods? That story would have to start with the Great Yu, and that in turn would have to start with his father, Gun, who fought flood with magical mud. What is that?

Emperor Shun - peace under heaven

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Although it took many years, in fact decades, for Shun to eventually become the emperor, it was all worth it. There was finally peace under heaven. How did Shun manage that and who came after Shun?

The Saint Emperor Shun

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 16:00:00 GMT

What is an ideal leader like, in the minds of the Chinese people? I think the answer can be best demonstrated by learning about the two ancient Chinese emperors, Yao and Shun. Today we will talk about Emperor Shun, who had a quite unfortunate childhood. Why is that?

Emperor Yao, the perfect Chinese ruler

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

How great would someone have to be, to be remembered as virtuous, kind and magnanimous thousands of years later? In this episode and the next, we will introduce Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun, who have been admired and loved by the Chinese people and looked up to by Chinese leaders. What is a perfect leader like in the eyes of the Chinese people?

Mysterious founders of Shang and Zhou dynasties

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

What did your Mom say when you asked her "Where did I come from"? The stories about the births of the founders of Shang and Zhou Dynasties might come handy when your child asks you the same question. So where did they come from?

The emperor who separated heaven and earth, again!

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Separating heaven and earth, wait a minute, didn't Pangu the giant already do that? Yes, he was the first one to do so but not the last. Who else tried to separate heaven and earth and why?

The Yellow Emperor and the Giant Xing Tian

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Being an emperor was no easy job, especially at a time when giants and monsters roamed the land, too. In this episode, a giant fought with the Yellow Emperor with his head cut off. How did he manage that?

The first major battle in Chinese history

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The first major battle in Chinese history was the one between the Yellow Emperor and Chi You. It wasn't just a simple mortal affair though. Some interesting supernatural creatures were involved, too. What were they like and what did they do?

Descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Why do Chinese people call themselves the descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors? Were these emperors real or mystical?

The lady on the moon

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

We've spent some time talking about the great hero Hou Yi. Was this handsome archer single or already taken? In fact, he was very happily married, to a fairy that was even more famous than he is!

Hou Yi and the Seven Evils

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Hou Yi is a very familiar name to the Chinese people and not just because he shot down the extra nine suns. Monsters of various sorts were out there haunting humans. Guess who stood out to tackle the challenge?

Hou Yi shooting down suns

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Did you know there were once ten suns in the sky? At least according to Chinese mythology. That couldn't have been good. Who saved the day? It was a hero named Hou Yi.

The end of fairyland in the sea

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Today's story is about some Chinese fairies, who look nothing like Tinker Bell. What do they look like and what do they do all day?

The God of Spring and the God of Autumn

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

This story is mainly about the God of Spring and the God of Autumn, but it's much more than that. The God of one thing in ancient China could be the God of so many things.

The god of water with a short fuse

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

There is a saying in China that all the major rivers flow to the east. Why is that? Are there magical powers that draw them to the sea? Well, the story has to start with the Chinese God of Water and all the fights that he managed to get into. Click on the play button to listen to his stories.

The Sun Goddess and her ten sons

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

People everywhere worship the sun, but maybe only the Chinese once had ten suns instead of one. How did that work out? The story starts with their Sun Goddess, the mother of the ten suns.

The Foolish Old Man

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Every child in China has heard of Yu Gong, the Foolish Old Man. I mean, he was 90 years old when he decided to remove the two mountains in front of his house. Hmm...so how did that go？You might be surprised to hear how that ended.

The giant who chased the sun

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Today I want to tell you about the Forest Gump of ancient China, a man not really known for his sharp wits but revered for his courage and persistence. Why did he chase the sun? Did he get there? Let me tell you all about it!

The bird who tried to fill the ocean

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Growing up in China, I often heard of the story of a little bird named Jing Wei that tried to fill the ocean, one beakful of rocks and twigs at a time. But not until I was grown did I fully understand the fury and spirit of that legendary bird. Why did she want to fill the ocean? Let's listen and find out.

The invention of the written characters

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The difficulty of learning Chinese characters might be frustrating for foreigners, but you got to admit, it's better than drawing everything out in pictures like they used to do during the cave-dwelling days. How were Chinese characters invented? And by whom? We'll find out today. And, if it's of any comfort, they are not easy for Chinese to learn neither.

The Fashionista Goddess of Silk

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

For some odd reason, raising silkworms as a "pet" was in fashion when I was in second grade and for someone who gets goose bumps from seeing worms, it was a difficult time. But, I have no problem with wearing silk, so shiny, smooth and cool to the touch. Who first made the connection between silkworm cocoons and the making of silk? You will find out in this episode.

Mr. Curious the Botanist

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

With better housing and fire for cooking, life was a lot better. As a result of that, population grew and food supply ran short. Hunting and berry picking couldn't cut it anymore. Luckily, Mr. Curious the Botanist came along. What did he discover? Well, much more than you can imagine!

Mr. Courageous and Fire

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

What would you say to sashimi everyday? Sounds fantastic! But wait, what if it's sashimi roots, vegetables, bloody raw kills, everything except salmon and tuna and the other yummy stuff? Then I think having fire would be a grand idea! So how was fire discovered according to Chinese mythology? Let me introduce Mr. Courageous!

Mr. Handyman the Chinese Baron on the Trees

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

It's no surprise that humans lived in caves back in the ancient times. But did you know that some also lived on trees? They were not quite tree houses but at least human nests. Join us on this episode and get to know the first architect in Chinese history, Mr. Youchao.

Fu Xi and the Eight Diagrams

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Have you heard of the Eight Diagram from ancient China that contains the secrets of the universe? Do you know who invented nets and brought about the domesticating of animals? They all have to do with an ancient Chinese God called Fu Xi, who had the body of a human but the tail of a serpent. Intrigued?

Goddess Nv Wa saving her human babies

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

With the creation of humans, Goddess Nv Wa was no longer lonely, but the future was not all rosy for the little human creatures. One day, without warning, the sky crackled open and fire rained down. The earth rumbled with the coming of a flood. What to do? Who could save them?

Goddess Nv Wa and her human babies

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The world that the Giant Pan Gu had created was beautiful, with the sun and the moon, mountains and rivers. But something was missing, something that's the source of cries and laughter, of arts and imagination, of science and culture. That's right! I'm talking about humans. How were humans created, the Chinese way?

The giant Pan Gu and the beginning of the world

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

We all know about the Big Bang Theory, but to say that our world was created from a big explosion sounds a bit too catastrophic for the taste of the ancient Chinese. So how did the world start the Chinese way? We will have to start with the giant named Pan Gu.

Season 2 Trailer

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

A million, a billion or maybe a gazillion years ago, a giant hacked open an egg. Then there was the sky, the earth, and the world as we know……Welcome to season 2 of Chinese Folk Tales and we will explore the ancient mystical world together, available in September.

The story of the three Ganjiers

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Today we have a story from the Tibetan people who live in southwest China. Once upon a time, there lived three men who all had the same name, Ganjier. One was the tribal chief, one a carpenter, and the other the chief steward.

The treasure of treasures

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The Tibetans have a special festival called Linka. It begins on May 15 and last several days. During this period, people leave their homes and stay in the countryside. Once, a group of people went to celebrate Linka in a very beautiful villa. It was located in an out-of-the-way area. The group included an aristocrat, an official, a merchant and a landlord. There was also a cook and four servants.

The story of Ling Dang

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Ling Dang was the name of a poor boy who lost his mother when he was only five. Seven years later, his father also died. His stepmother, very much fond of her own son, Bao Dan, treated Ling Dang badly. Fortunately, the two brothers themselves loved each other. Whenever Ling Dang was in trouble, Bao Dan would lend a hand. But that further annoyed the stepmother who reacted by being more cruel to Ling Dang.