child trafficking, chinese folklore, community heroes, cultural stories, historical anecdotes, ji gong, moral lessons, song dynasty, unexpected heroism, vigilance in society

The Unconventional Hero Ji Gong: A Tale of Deception and Salvation

During the Song Dynasty, a story unfolded that would echo through the ages, a tale of cunning, bravery, and the unexpected heroism of the mad monk Ji Gong. Though centuries old, this narrative carries a timeless message that resonates even with the modern world, particularly when we consider the dangers and deceptions that lurk in ...

Max Lu

Illustration of a monk in traditional Chinese robes carrying a tattered fan and standing in a Chinese village with a suspicious looking character behind him.

Acts of Kindness Bring Divine Favor

In the bustling town of Jiaxing, there lived a scholar named Zhu, who was originally from Huizhou. Gifted and eager to study from a young age, Zhu faced the unfortunate demise of his parents when he was just in his early teens. This calamity forced him to abandon his education, but not his acts of ...

Max Lu

Illustration of an ancient Chinese village with a river running through it.

‘Journey to the West’ Director Yang Jie’s Paranormal Encounters

In the following account, renowned Chinese director Yang Jie shares her personal encounters with the supernatural, offering a rare glimpse into the mysterious and often unspoken world of ghostly phenomena. Yang Jie’s personal account On October 2, 1987, we were filming the final scene of Journey to the West at the Qing Xiling Mausoleum, where ...

Mikel Davis

Promotional poster for the 1986 Chinese TV series 'Journey to the West.'

The Tale of a Teenage Bodyguard: A Journey of Bravery and Skill

During the last years of Emperor Qianlong’s reign and the early years of Emperor Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty, the land was in turmoil. Bandits were rampant, and those who traveled, especially in the northern regions, often did so with trepidation. Anyone carrying silver and valuables would invariably seek the protection of a skilled bodyguard. ...

Max Lu

A black donkey waiting in the countryside wearing a traditional saddle and saddlebag.

5 Legendary Dreams of Chinese Folklore

Throughout China’s vast folklore, there are five dreams that have become household tales. These legendary narratives, passed down from ancient times, offer profound insights into the realities of life. The dream of yellow millet During the Tang Dynasty, there was a sage named Lü Weng. In his travels, he came across a young man named ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of a man in ancient Chinese robes taking a nap while a dragon swirls over his head in a misty cloud.

Historical Tale From China: Murong Yanchao Outsmarts a Swindler

During the Later Han Dynasty (947-950), Yunzhou’s leading commander, Murong Yanchao, was celebrated for his exceptional wit and knack for capturing thieves. His reputation was unparalleled. A thriving pawnshop under the midday sun In the heart of Yunzhou City, there stood a bustling pawnshop of considerable size, renowned for its flourishing business and impeccable reputation. ...

Mikel Davis

The tower in Kaiyuan Temple with cherry blossoms.

Wealth and Fate: The Salt Merchant’s Ambitious Son

Some individuals amass immense wealth through hard work, talent, opportune moments, or chance. Yet while some are able to retain their wealth, others can’t. Why is this? Is it pure coincidence, or is there an underlying inevitability to it? This can be attributed to the “fortune” predestined in one’s life. Imagine if a person’s life ...

Max Lu

Vintage open chest, coins on a wooden table, and a bright light from inside the chest.

Story From Ancient China: Wang Wei Identifies the Melon Thief

Wang Wei (701-761) was a renowned poet of the Tang Dynasty. Beyond his poetic prowess, he was an expert in music, painting, and calligraphy. As a child, he was not only bright, but he also possessed a strong sense of justice. A melon mystery in the neighborhood Near Wang Wei’s home lived an elderly man ...

Max Lu

Illustration of an ancient Chinese scholar seated beneath a tree.

Legend of General Yang Yanzhao and the Ma Bao Spring

Renowned for his valiant stand against the Liao Dynasty, Yang Yanzhao is a well-known general in the annals of the Northern Song Dynasty, as chronicled in The History of the Song. Stationed on the frontier for over two decades, Yang commanded respect and fear among the Liao people. They believed him to be the Sixth ...

Tatiana Denning

Artist's illustration of the Legend of General Yang Yanzhao with his white horse and the discovery of Ma Bao Spring.

Chinese Folklore: Li Chushi’s Divination

According to Tang Que Shi, during the reign of Emperor De Zong of the Tang Dynasty, there was an official named Li Ao whose radical and straightforward character led to his offending Prime Minister Li Fengji. Consequently, Li Ao was demoted from the central Department of State Affairs and sent to a remote region, Luzhou, ...

Mikel Davis

3D rendering of the Yin-Yang symbol contained within a glass sphere.