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Chinese Mythology: Legendary Tales of Heaven, Earth, Humanity, and Beyond
Step into the magical and rich world of Chinese mythology with tales of gods, goddesses, the Monkey King, the White Snake, and more in this gorgeous, fully illustrated collection of myths and fairy tales. Do you know how the world began? Or why there is wind and rain? Have you ever felt lucky and wondered where luck comes from? Are you curious about the unseen and unknown? People have been asking these questions for thousands of years, with different cultures coming up with different answers to explain the universe. The myths in Chinese Mythology date back to ancient China, where the Jade Emperor ruled from the Heavens alongside other deities, and when the world was filled with supernatural figures, including snake-women, animal tricksters, ghosts, demons, dragons, and more. Journey through the world's creation and the rule of heaven to the powerful shaping of earth and the rise of humanity in these stunning, exciting, and mystical tales from China, written by the author of A Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac and illustrated in stunning, bright, magical pictures.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published December 17, 2024
5 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 29, 2024
I love Mythology! This is a charming introduction into Chinese Mythology. The lovely illustrations by the talented Adela Li were wonderful additions to the tales.
January 24, 2025
Aaron Hwang’s Chinese Mythology: Legendary Tales of Heaven, Earth, Humanity, and Beyond is a beautifully crafted journey into the rich tapestry of Chinese myths and legends. With its engaging storytelling and breathtaking illustrations, this book brings to life the stories of gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, and epic tales that have shaped Chinese culture and imagination for centuries.
The collection begins with foundational myths about the creation of the world and the heavens, introducing figures like the Jade Emperor and supernatural beings such as snake-women and dragons. From these cosmic tales, the book flows into stories of human ingenuity, moral lessons, and the balance between humanity and nature. Each story not only entertains but also provides insight into the values, beliefs, and questions that have shaped Chinese traditions.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Hwang presents these timeless stories in a way that is easy to follow without sacrificing their depth or cultural significance. Whether you’re new to Chinese mythology or already familiar with classics like the Monkey King or the White Snake, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
The illustrations are another highlight. Bright, vivid, and magical, they perfectly complement the stories, drawing readers deeper into the mythical world. Each page feels like a piece of art, making the book as much a visual delight as it is a literary one.
The only reason this isn’t a full five stars is that it feels slightly geared toward younger audiences, which might leave readers looking for more scholarly or in-depth explorations of these myths wanting a bit more context or complexity. Still, this is a minor critique for what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read.
Overall, Chinese Mythology is a must-read for anyone interested in world mythology, Chinese culture, or simply beautifully told stories. It’s a delightful collection that will spark curiosity and inspire a deeper appreciation for the wonders of ancient myths.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
The collection begins with foundational myths about the creation of the world and the heavens, introducing figures like the Jade Emperor and supernatural beings such as snake-women and dragons. From these cosmic tales, the book flows into stories of human ingenuity, moral lessons, and the balance between humanity and nature. Each story not only entertains but also provides insight into the values, beliefs, and questions that have shaped Chinese traditions.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Hwang presents these timeless stories in a way that is easy to follow without sacrificing their depth or cultural significance. Whether you’re new to Chinese mythology or already familiar with classics like the Monkey King or the White Snake, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
The illustrations are another highlight. Bright, vivid, and magical, they perfectly complement the stories, drawing readers deeper into the mythical world. Each page feels like a piece of art, making the book as much a visual delight as it is a literary one.
The only reason this isn’t a full five stars is that it feels slightly geared toward younger audiences, which might leave readers looking for more scholarly or in-depth explorations of these myths wanting a bit more context or complexity. Still, this is a minor critique for what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read.
Overall, Chinese Mythology is a must-read for anyone interested in world mythology, Chinese culture, or simply beautifully told stories. It’s a delightful collection that will spark curiosity and inspire a deeper appreciation for the wonders of ancient myths.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
Currently reading
February 1, 2025Fun story: this might be a haunted book. I, a youth ref librarian, walking through my area before close the other night heard this book tip over. It had been in the same spot, no one had checked it out, it's o the "new" juv nonfic shelf so it appeared to have never been checked out yet. I bent to stand it back out and - there is a tiny pile of dry rice beneath it - like 15 grains. Enough for me to scoop into my palm and show my circ staff....
There was no rice on the carpet or floor or anywhere else on that shelf, just beneath that particular gravity challenged book. So I checked it out and took it home. So far nothing about magical rice-producing book gods. Will report back.
There was no rice on the carpet or floor or anywhere else on that shelf, just beneath that particular gravity challenged book. So I checked it out and took it home. So far nothing about magical rice-producing book gods. Will report back.
July 12, 2025
I love this series of books, and I'm currently in the process of getting the rest of this series to read. If you're interested in different cultures’ folk tales and mythology, then you need to read the ‘Tales’ series.
This book tells a variety of Chinese mythology in a very easy-to-digest and accurate way, of the original stories. I loved reading through this book as it delivered exactly what I was looking for.
I am a big lover of mythology, and as many fellow mythology lovers will know, it can be hard to find mythology and folktales from certain cultures. This series is working on fixing that, looking at a variety of cultures and their core mythology and folktales and putting them all into one place for a reader's convenience, all while making it easy and fun to read.
This book isn't formatted in a textbook style, so it reads like a collection of short stories rather than an academic text. It's a refreshing taste of mythology reading, and I am very much looking forward to my delivery of the rest of this series!
Very well written and has a great selection of folktales within the book. I loved this so much!
This book tells a variety of Chinese mythology in a very easy-to-digest and accurate way, of the original stories. I loved reading through this book as it delivered exactly what I was looking for.
I am a big lover of mythology, and as many fellow mythology lovers will know, it can be hard to find mythology and folktales from certain cultures. This series is working on fixing that, looking at a variety of cultures and their core mythology and folktales and putting them all into one place for a reader's convenience, all while making it easy and fun to read.
This book isn't formatted in a textbook style, so it reads like a collection of short stories rather than an academic text. It's a refreshing taste of mythology reading, and I am very much looking forward to my delivery of the rest of this series!
Very well written and has a great selection of folktales within the book. I loved this so much!
June 7, 2025
beautiful illustrations. introduced me to several myths i'd never heard before.
August 9, 2025
between a 4.68 to 5 star rating
August 18, 2025
Brief, basic descriptions of some of the more well-known Chinese myths. It was quite dry, but if it piques your interest at all, there is a list of Further Reading at the end.
August 23, 2025
A little confusing for me, but I have no background to base these tales in. The illustrations were beautiful!
April 20, 2025
The was a fun and basic introduction to Chinese myths and legends. The artwork is beautiful! My favorite story is Weaver Girl and Cowherd and the creation of the milky way. Though listed as a children's book, I think it's a great starting point for any age that has an interest in beginning to learn about Chinese mythology.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews