Mythical Places in Chinese Mythology, Folklore, and Legends
In the hushed whispers of ancient Chinese Mythology, mystical places emerge as ethereal realms where beauty and wonder converge.
These mythological landscapes, often veiled in the mists of time, transcend the boundaries of reality to usher us into a world teeming with Mythical Beings, Divine Deities, and Mythical Creatures.
These mystical places are not just settings; they are characters, each possessing its own enigmatic allure.
From the Sacred Kunlun Mountains on the western horizon to the three mystical islands gracing the eastern seas, from the holy mountains that span the myths and folklore to the great heroes and legends etched upon the central plain, these legendary places are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of China's mythical world.
"Celestial Mountains and Buildings" by Zhao Boju of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 — 1279)
Divine Deities and Creatures in Heaven
The Sacred Kunlun Mountains in the West
Three Mystical Islands in the East
Holy Mountains from Mythology and Folklore
Great Heroes and Legends in the Central Plain
Great Deities and Divine Creatures in Heaven
According to Ancient Chinese Astrology, there are Three Enclosures in the central sky where the Heavenly Emperor and other deities reside:
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Purple Forbidden Enclosure: This is known as the Palace of the Great Emperor of Heaven, where he and his family reside.
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Supreme Palace Enclosure: Also known as the Government of Heaven, this is where the Great Emperor of Heaven administers the universe, and deity officials work and discuss political affairs.
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Heavenly Market Enclosure: This serves as the marketplace of heaven, where the Great Emperor of Heaven accepts homage and tours, and where others conduct various commercial activities.
"Celestial Mountains and Buildings" by Qiu Ying (about 1498–1552)
Surrounding the Three Enclosures, four divine creatures stand guard in the east, west, north, and south.
Each of these creatures leads seven ancient constellations, and they are collectively known as the Four Symbols, symbolizing the four seasons.
Qing Long or Azure Dragon of the East
The Qing Long, also known as the Azure Dragon of the East, is regarded as one of the most potent mythical creatures in Chinese mythology.
Positioned in the eastern part of the sky, it represents left, spring, and wood.
The Azure Dragon symbolizes power, strength, and integrity, and as such, it is revered by humans as the guardian of their land.
Qing Long or Azure Dragon of the East by Artist Shan Ze
Bai Hu or White Tiger of the West
The Bai Hu, also known as the White Tiger of the West, resides in the western part of the sky and embodies the qualities of the right, autumn, and metal.
The White Tiger symbolizes attributes like loyalty, power, bravery, and justice, earning it the revered title of the God of War in ancient China.
As a result, the white tiger held significant importance in the military, often adorning army flags and seals
Bai Hu or White Tiger of the West by Artist She Xi
Zhu Que or Vermilion Bird of the South
Zhu Que, or the Vermilion Bird, stands guard in the southern skies and represents the front, summer, and fire.
This majestic creature, resembling a massive red bird, is believed to be a mythical entity with the power to guide people's souls to heaven after they pass away.
Zhu Que or Vermilion Bird of the South by Artist Shan Ze
Xuan Wu or Black Tortoise of the North
Xuan Wu, known as the Black Tortoise of the North, resides in the northern realms of the sky and represents the back, winter, and water.
This mythical creature, bearing the appearance of a turtle intertwined with a snake, found extensive use in divination as a messenger.
It was believed to carry questions to the celestial realms or the ancestors in the afterlife and return with the answers sought by mortals.
Xuan Wu or Black Tortoise of the North by Artist Huahua
Ying Long or Yellow Dragon in the Central
In the heart of the celestial expanse resides Ying Long, representing the Earth in accordance with the Five Element Theory and often deemed superior to other mythical creatures in certain legends.
This Yellow Dragon was entrusted with the domains of wind and rain, playing a pivotal role in aiding the Yellow Emperor (approximately 2717 BC — 2599 BC) in arduous battles and offering assistance to Yu the Great (approximately 2123 BC — 2025 BC) in the conquest of devastating floods.
Distinguished from its dragon counterparts, Ying Long sports a pair of wings, which would later evolve into vividly colorful clouds in exquisite works of art.
Throughout history, images of the Ying Long dragon were meticulously and exclusively reserved for Chinese Emperors.
The Sacred Kunlun Mountains in the West
In Chinese culture, there exist two remarkable embodiments of the Kunlun Mountains.
The first is the Legendary Kunlun Mountains, steeped in myth and folklore. The second is the Geological Kunlun Mountains, a geographical wonder located in the northwest of China.
The Legendary Kunlun Mountains
The Legendary Mount Kunlun is revered as the most supreme and sacred mountain in Chinese Mythology and Taoism Religion.
It is regarded as the progenitor of all mountains and stands at the very heart of the world.
Nestled in the northwest of China, the Legendary Mount Kunlun stands colossal and steep, its grandeur emphasized by a colossal pillar that ascends toward the heavens.
This majestic realm is encircled by four gates, crisscrossed by nine paths, and traversed by the meandering Ruo Shui River.
Kunlun boasts five mystical cities and twelve resplendent edifices, each scattering across its terrain.
Beyond these gates and the flowing river lies the Mountain of Fire, a place where the unwelcome is reduced to ashes by relentless flames.
Upon Mount Kunlun, a veritable treasure trove of innumerable precious flowers and plants thrives, alongside mythical creatures and a bounty of treasures.
The natural beauty that graces this sacred realm is nothing short of breathtaking.
Kunlun Mountains and Palaces in Painting "Peach Festival of the Queen Mother of the West", by An Artist of Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644).
Kunlun is venerated as the cradle of Chinese culture, once the residence of influential monarchs who conducted sacred rituals.
It was within these mythological places that King Fu Xi crafted essential elements of Chinese heritage: the Taiji, Bagua, Traditional Chinese Calendar, and age-old customs and etiquettes.
Furthermore, it was at Kunlun that the divine Nu Wa created humanity and mended the fractured sky.
Nu Wa Fulfilling Broken Sky using Five Colored Stones, by Artist Zi Fei Yu.
Xiwangmu — Deity of Kunlun Mountains
Xiwangmu, revered as the Queen Mother of the West, is a formidable goddess residing beside Yaochi, a mystical lake enveloped by an abundance of exquisite flowers and unique flora upon Mount Kunlun.
She holds dominion over all female deities and possesses command over the elixirs of life that bestow immortality upon the world.
Throughout history, Xiwangmu has dispatched mythical creatures, deities, and on occasion, ventured to the mortal realm herself, offering her divine aid in overcoming calamities and adversities.
Notably, some of China's most exceptional emperors, renowned for their remarkable achievements, had the privilege of encountering or receiving blessings from Xiwangmu.
Xiwangmu Meeting King Mu of Zhou (? — about 922 BC), by Artist Lu Ming Shan.
San Qing — Messenger of Xiwangmu
San Qing, a mythical bird of lore, serves as a messenger for the revered Goddess Xiwangmu, accompanying her on her celestial journeys.
Historical records recount an encounter between Emperor Wu of Han (156 BC — 87 BC) and a San Qing bird.
This encounter foretold the impending visit of the great deity from Mount Kunlun, prompting the emperor to make preparations for her arrival.
True to the omen, Xiwangmu arrived, presenting the emperor with seven enchanted peaches and promising prosperity for the Han Empire and success in its military endeavors.
In the wake of her visit, Emperor Wu constructed a magnificent edifice on Mount Tai, a sanctuary for Xiwangmu to reside when she graced the mortal realm with her presence.
Lu Wu or Kaiming Shou — Guardian of the Kunlun Mountains
Lu Wu or Kaiming Shou is the vigilant and benevolent custodian of the Kunlun Mountains, entrusted with the welfare of its flora, fauna, and climate.
Lu Wu possesses a distinctive form, characterized by a human head atop a tiger's body, adorned with nine majestic tails. In some interpretations, Lu Wu is depicted with nine human heads.
Throughout legend, Lu Wu played a vital role in aiding Yu the Great, the illustrious founder of the Xia Dynasty (approximately 2070 BC — 1600 BC).
Together, they vanquished malevolent monsters and valiantly confronted the devastating floods that threatened the land.
Lu Wu or Kaiming Shou by Yaoli Chahua
Bai Ze — The Wise Mythical Being of Kunlun
Bai Ze is a profoundly knowledgeable creature gifted with the ability to converse in the human tongue.
Its striking appearance features pristine white fur, akin to a goat, adorned with a single horn and two elegant wings.
Typically, Bai Ze calls Mount Kunlun its home, venturing into the mortal realm only during times of societal tranquility and prosperity.
As a symbol of fortune, safety, and contentment in Chinese culture, it embodies auspiciousness.
Bai Ze's extensive knowledge encompasses 11,520 varieties of supernatural entities and the means to subdue malevolent forces.
On one occasion, Bai Ze descended to the earthly realm and imparted this wisdom to the Yellow Emperor (approximately 2717 BC — 2599 BC). The Yellow Emperor then compiled this knowledge into a tome, making it accessible to all of his subjects.
Mythical Creature Bai Ze, by Artist Shuangjiang Pengsang.
The Prototype of the Legendary Mount Kunlun
Drawing upon mythological accounts and the historical territories of ancient Chinese civilizations, the Xicheng Mountain, later apotheosized in Chinese culture, is regarded as the prototype of the enigmatic Mount Kunlun.
Located in Shanxi province, Xicheng Mountain stands in an area where the earliest Chinese ancestors resided, laying the foundational cornerstone of Chinese culture.
This is the very land where the legendary Yu the Great battled against the colossal flood, and King Tang of the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC — 1046 BC) conducted grand ceremonies to beseech the heavens for rain
Even today, the inhabitants of this region can identify the mountain's four gates and nine paths, mirroring the descriptions of the mythical Mount Kunlun in astonishing detail.