Nezha conquers the sea(video)
"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"!
Mar 24, 2025•11 min
Chinese Folk Tales
Immerse yourself in the enchanting narrative of Chinese Cinderella, the romantic tale of the cowherd and the fairy, and the heroic legend of the fearless female general, Mulan...... These mythical stories blur the lines of reality, featuring epic protagonists. Join us on a wondrous journey into a new world, imbued with tradition, mythology, and enduring wisdom. Subscribe and listen now.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
The Original Tale of Blockbuster Film Character Nezha
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!
Feb 18, 2025•13 min
Bonus episode: The mythical tale of the Chinese dragon (video)
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.
Mar 10, 2024•13 min
Bonus episode: The mythical tale of the Chinese dragon
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.
Feb 07, 2024•14 min
S3E20: Sun Moon Lake
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.
Oct 19, 2023•13 min
S3E19: The reward of truthful souls
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.
Oct 12, 2023•18 min
S3E18: Mulan
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.
Sep 28, 2023•13 min
S3E17: The Peacock Princess
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.
Sep 21, 2023•16 min
S3E16: Threads of wonder: When brocade comes to life
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.
Sep 14, 2023•16 min
S3E15: A fantasy voyage of King Mu of Zhou
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.
Sep 07, 2023•16 min
S3E14: Divine farmer(video)
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 ...
Sep 05, 2023•10 min
S3E14: Divine farmer
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.
Aug 31, 2023•12 min
S3E13: Inventor Lu Ban(video)
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.
Aug 24, 2023•9 min
S3E13: Inventor Lu Ban
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.
Aug 24, 2023•13 min
S3E12: The cowherd and the weaving maiden(video)
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."
Aug 21, 2023•12 min
S3E12: The cowherd and the weaving maiden
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.
Aug 17, 2023•15 min
S3E11: The King of Huainan
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.
Aug 10, 2023•15 min
S3E10: Friendship legend
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.
Aug 03, 2023•17 min
S3E9: The horse-head fiddle
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.
Jul 27, 2023•13 min
S3E8: The tale of the Morning Star
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.
Jul 20, 2023•15 min
S3E7: The miserly farmer
The story serves as a cautionary tale, raising awareness about possible repercussions of being needlessly miserly.
Jul 13, 2023•9 min
S3E6: Laozi went out of Hangu Pass
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.
Jul 06, 2023•15 min
S3E5: Why there is only one sun in the sky
When you look up into the sky –there is only one sun. But in this story, there were TEN!
Jun 29, 2023•17 min
S3E4: The Great Flood
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.
Jun 21, 2023•19 min
S3E3: Why Cat and Dog are Enemies
Great things can happen when we work together and in this story we remember the importance of honesty, and the benefits of collaboration.
Jun 14, 2023•13 min
S3E2: The Three Rhymsters
What does it mean to be clever? Even if you are book smart are you really as clever as you think you are?
Jun 08, 2023•12 min
S3E1: The Treasure Bird
This is a story all about greed and how taking more than you need could end up costing you everything.
May 31, 2023•17 min
Season 3 Trailer
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!
May 23, 2023•2 min
The Chinese Cinderella
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.
Apr 24, 2021•10 min
The boy Chen Xiang and the Lotus Lamp
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?
Mar 14, 2021•8 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android