Chinese Myths and Legends A Bilingual Treasury of Timeless Stories Illustrated

Witness the awe of creation and the power of heroic quests in a world that has captivated hearts for millennia! From the birth of the universe and humankind to the shaping of mountains and seas, from heroic feats to divine compassion— these classic Chinese myths have captivated generations for thousands of years. This beautifully illustrated bilingual edition brings together nine of China’ s most cherished stories, including Pangu Opens Heaven and Earth, Nü wa Creates Mankind, Chang’ e Flies to the Moon, Houyi Shoots Down the Suns, and more. Retold in clear, engaging English alongside the Chinese text, each tale captures the imaginative power and enduring wisdom of ancient China while speaking directly to the modern reader. Each story is prefaced by a brief note on its origins and cultural significance to enhance understanding and enrich the reading experience. Whether you are a young reader discovering these tales for the first time, a student of Chinese language and culture, or simply a lover of myth and folklore, this bilingual treasury offers an awestriking journey into the heart of China’ s mythic imagination.

Shouhua Qi is a prolific author of over twenty books, spanning fiction, nonfiction, translation, and scholarship. His titles include Western Literature in China and the Translation of a Nation (2012), The Pearl Jacket and Other Stories (2008), When the Purple Mountain Burns (2005), and Bridging the Pacific (2000). Among his most recent works is a fresh retelling of two of the Four Great Classic Novels: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (2026) and Becoming Monkey King: The Untold Story (2025). Qi is Professor Emeritus of English at Western Connecticut State University and an adjunct professor of English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University.