XingWu🐉ChineseFolklore
@xingwu.bsky.social
@x1ngwu on X. I collect, translate and write about ancient Chinese folklore, mythology, and history. Love books and cats.
Mythology | Yaoguai(妖怪) | Ghost(鬼) | Art | Myth | Fantasy | History
Mythology | Yaoguai(妖怪) | Ghost(鬼) | Art | Myth | Fantasy | History
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🦋 Folklore-related tags on Bluesky, along with their hosts—already active on the platform—who run weekly themes:
#MythologyMonday
#FairyTaleTuesday
#LegendaryWednesday
#WyrdWednesday
#BOOKOLOGYTHURSDAY
#FolkyFriday
#BookWormSat
#FolkloreSunday
#BookChatWeekly
Please see their accounts below 👇
#MythologyMonday
#FairyTaleTuesday
#LegendaryWednesday
#WyrdWednesday
#BOOKOLOGYTHURSDAY
#FolkyFriday
#BookWormSat
#FolkloreSunday
#BookChatWeekly
Please see their accounts below 👇
On the west wall of the Ming Hall in Yu Cui Pavilion, a quiet moment unfolds. A woman in a butterfly-embroidered golden robe gazes into her mirror. Pearls and jade shimmer softly against a humble cloth headscarf that lowers her hairline, tempering opulence with restraint. In this 1/2
#art #painting
#art #painting
December 7, 2025 at 5:45 PM
In Chinese #mythology, among the Eight Immortals, only He Xiangu bears a woman’s grace.
Born under Wu Zetian’s Tang skies amid purple clouds and radiant light, she dreamed of a celestial teacher who taught her to eat mica and soar beyond the mortal world. Though filial and humble, 1/2
🎨 彫仙
Born under Wu Zetian’s Tang skies amid purple clouds and radiant light, she dreamed of a celestial teacher who taught her to eat mica and soar beyond the mortal world. Though filial and humble, 1/2
🎨 彫仙
December 7, 2025 at 1:45 PM
In Chinese #mythology, among the Eight Immortals, only He Xiangu bears a woman’s grace.
Born under Wu Zetian’s Tang skies amid purple clouds and radiant light, she dreamed of a celestial teacher who taught her to eat mica and soar beyond the mortal world. Though filial and humble, 1/2
🎨 彫仙
Born under Wu Zetian’s Tang skies amid purple clouds and radiant light, she dreamed of a celestial teacher who taught her to eat mica and soar beyond the mortal world. Though filial and humble, 1/2
🎨 彫仙
In Chinese #mythology, after the Battle of Zhuolu, the Yellow Emperor’s triumph shook both heaven and earth.
Han Feizi recounts his ascent of Mount Tai, riding a dragon-drawn chariot, flanked by tigers and wolves, with wind and rain gods heralding his way. Bifang birds lit the sky 1/2
Han Feizi recounts his ascent of Mount Tai, riding a dragon-drawn chariot, flanked by tigers and wolves, with wind and rain gods heralding his way. Bifang birds lit the sky 1/2
December 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
In Chinese #mythology, after the Battle of Zhuolu, the Yellow Emperor’s triumph shook both heaven and earth.
Han Feizi recounts his ascent of Mount Tai, riding a dragon-drawn chariot, flanked by tigers and wolves, with wind and rain gods heralding his way. Bifang birds lit the sky 1/2
Han Feizi recounts his ascent of Mount Tai, riding a dragon-drawn chariot, flanked by tigers and wolves, with wind and rain gods heralding his way. Bifang birds lit the sky 1/2
In the misty hills of southern China, villagers once whispered of Cat-Rong Po, the “Old Lady with a Cat Face.” With a third eye that peers into children’s hearts, she prowled at night, her crow spies marking the unwary.
In Taiwan, her kin, Tiger-Gu Po, shared the same hunger... 1/2
#caturday
In Taiwan, her kin, Tiger-Gu Po, shared the same hunger... 1/2
#caturday
December 6, 2025 at 1:45 PM
In the misty hills of southern China, villagers once whispered of Cat-Rong Po, the “Old Lady with a Cat Face.” With a third eye that peers into children’s hearts, she prowled at night, her crow spies marking the unwary.
In Taiwan, her kin, Tiger-Gu Po, shared the same hunger... 1/2
#caturday
In Taiwan, her kin, Tiger-Gu Po, shared the same hunger... 1/2
#caturday
In Chinese folklore, the Hu Xian(fox spirits), embody both allure and wisdom.
According to the Xuanzhongji, a fox at fifty becomes a woman, and at a hundred, a beauty whose gaze can read fate itself. Once honored as bringers of luck, they later turned into symbols of ... 1/2
🎨 Benyo
According to the Xuanzhongji, a fox at fifty becomes a woman, and at a hundred, a beauty whose gaze can read fate itself. Once honored as bringers of luck, they later turned into symbols of ... 1/2
🎨 Benyo
December 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
In Chinese folklore, the Hu Xian(fox spirits), embody both allure and wisdom.
According to the Xuanzhongji, a fox at fifty becomes a woman, and at a hundred, a beauty whose gaze can read fate itself. Once honored as bringers of luck, they later turned into symbols of ... 1/2
🎨 Benyo
According to the Xuanzhongji, a fox at fifty becomes a woman, and at a hundred, a beauty whose gaze can read fate itself. Once honored as bringers of luck, they later turned into symbols of ... 1/2
🎨 Benyo
Few know that the dazzling Lantern Festival began not in celebration, but in fear.
According to old Chinese lore, a celestial bird was shot by a mortal hunter, enraging the Heavenly Emperor, who vowed to burn the mortal world on the fifteenth night of the new year. .. 1/2
#folklore
According to old Chinese lore, a celestial bird was shot by a mortal hunter, enraging the Heavenly Emperor, who vowed to burn the mortal world on the fifteenth night of the new year. .. 1/2
#folklore
December 5, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Few know that the dazzling Lantern Festival began not in celebration, but in fear.
According to old Chinese lore, a celestial bird was shot by a mortal hunter, enraging the Heavenly Emperor, who vowed to burn the mortal world on the fifteenth night of the new year. .. 1/2
#folklore
According to old Chinese lore, a celestial bird was shot by a mortal hunter, enraging the Heavenly Emperor, who vowed to burn the mortal world on the fifteenth night of the new year. .. 1/2
#folklore
A thousand years before social media, Su Shi (蘇軾) and the monk Foyin (佛印) revealed a truth that still stings today.
During meditation, Su Shi asked what he looked like. “A Buddha,” said Foyin. Su Shi laughed, “You look like cow dung.” Foyin merely smiled. Later, ... 1/2
#folklore
During meditation, Su Shi asked what he looked like. “A Buddha,” said Foyin. Su Shi laughed, “You look like cow dung.” Foyin merely smiled. Later, ... 1/2
#folklore
December 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
A thousand years before social media, Su Shi (蘇軾) and the monk Foyin (佛印) revealed a truth that still stings today.
During meditation, Su Shi asked what he looked like. “A Buddha,” said Foyin. Su Shi laughed, “You look like cow dung.” Foyin merely smiled. Later, ... 1/2
#folklore
During meditation, Su Shi asked what he looked like. “A Buddha,” said Foyin. Su Shi laughed, “You look like cow dung.” Foyin merely smiled. Later, ... 1/2
#folklore
The Biyi Bird (比翼鳥) is often hailed as the emblem of eternal love, two one-winged, one-eyed creatures that can only soar together. Yet in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, their union carried a darker omen: the rise of floods and chaos. What began as a warning against.... 1/2
#mythology
#mythology
December 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The Biyi Bird (比翼鳥) is often hailed as the emblem of eternal love, two one-winged, one-eyed creatures that can only soar together. Yet in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, their union carried a darker omen: the rise of floods and chaos. What began as a warning against.... 1/2
#mythology
#mythology
Long before silver-screen thieves plotted their perfect crimes, China had Dongfang Shuo, the original trickster.
A witty Han Dynasty scholar who outsmarted gods themselves, he stole the Queen Mother’s peaches of immortality not once, but three times, even convincing her fairy guards...
1/2
A witty Han Dynasty scholar who outsmarted gods themselves, he stole the Queen Mother’s peaches of immortality not once, but three times, even convincing her fairy guards...
1/2
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Long before silver-screen thieves plotted their perfect crimes, China had Dongfang Shuo, the original trickster.
A witty Han Dynasty scholar who outsmarted gods themselves, he stole the Queen Mother’s peaches of immortality not once, but three times, even convincing her fairy guards...
1/2
A witty Han Dynasty scholar who outsmarted gods themselves, he stole the Queen Mother’s peaches of immortality not once, but three times, even convincing her fairy guards...
1/2
In Tang legend, a monk named Zhiji possessed a gift unlike any other, he could taste not just tea, but the soul of its maker.
When Emperor Daizong offered him imperial tea, Zhiji took one sip and gently declined a second, saying it lacked the spirit found in the brew of his ... 1/3
#folklore
When Emperor Daizong offered him imperial tea, Zhiji took one sip and gently declined a second, saying it lacked the spirit found in the brew of his ... 1/3
#folklore
December 3, 2025 at 1:45 PM
In Tang legend, a monk named Zhiji possessed a gift unlike any other, he could taste not just tea, but the soul of its maker.
When Emperor Daizong offered him imperial tea, Zhiji took one sip and gently declined a second, saying it lacked the spirit found in the brew of his ... 1/3
#folklore
When Emperor Daizong offered him imperial tea, Zhiji took one sip and gently declined a second, saying it lacked the spirit found in the brew of his ... 1/3
#folklore
In ancient Chinese lore, every flower had its guardian spirit, and among these celestial caretakers bloomed two immortal women, Nü Yi (女夷) and Hua Gu (花姑).
Guided by the wisdom of the eternal Lady Wei Huacun, they ... 1/2
#mythology
Guided by the wisdom of the eternal Lady Wei Huacun, they ... 1/2
#mythology
December 2, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In ancient Chinese lore, every flower had its guardian spirit, and among these celestial caretakers bloomed two immortal women, Nü Yi (女夷) and Hua Gu (花姑).
Guided by the wisdom of the eternal Lady Wei Huacun, they ... 1/2
#mythology
Guided by the wisdom of the eternal Lady Wei Huacun, they ... 1/2
#mythology
Unlike many world myths led by male creators, China’s origin story begins with a goddess, Nüwa, the mother of all life. From yellow clay she molded humankind, breathing spirit into mud until it stirred and spoke. Yet her creation went further: she shaped balance itself, dividing 1/2
#mythology
#mythology
December 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Unlike many world myths led by male creators, China’s origin story begins with a goddess, Nüwa, the mother of all life. From yellow clay she molded humankind, breathing spirit into mud until it stirred and spoke. Yet her creation went further: she shaped balance itself, dividing 1/2
#mythology
#mythology
In the Shanhaijing, the Jun Ren, “Mushroom People”(菌人), blur the boundary between human and earth. Small as sprouts yet eerily human, they are said to grow from the soil itself, breathing the same life that sustains us.
🎨 Shanze
🎨 Shanze
December 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
In the Shanhaijing, the Jun Ren, “Mushroom People”(菌人), blur the boundary between human and earth. Small as sprouts yet eerily human, they are said to grow from the soil itself, breathing the same life that sustains us.
🎨 Shanze
🎨 Shanze
Long before modern horror named the femme fatale, Chinese folklore whispered of the Painted Skin Ghost (畫皮鬼), a demon who steals human skin to walk among the living. Beneath its beauty lies decay, a mirror to the masks we craft for acceptance. Across dynasties and retellings, 1/2
#folklore
#folklore
December 1, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Long before modern horror named the femme fatale, Chinese folklore whispered of the Painted Skin Ghost (畫皮鬼), a demon who steals human skin to walk among the living. Beneath its beauty lies decay, a mirror to the masks we craft for acceptance. Across dynasties and retellings, 1/2
#folklore
#folklore
Few remember him, but before Nezha stole the spotlight, another fiery prodigy blazed across the heavens.
Red Boy, the Infant King, son of the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan Princess, once humbled Sun Wukong himself with his unstoppable Samadhi True Fire. Barefoot and fierce, wielding 1/2
Red Boy, the Infant King, son of the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan Princess, once humbled Sun Wukong himself with his unstoppable Samadhi True Fire. Barefoot and fierce, wielding 1/2
November 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Few remember him, but before Nezha stole the spotlight, another fiery prodigy blazed across the heavens.
Red Boy, the Infant King, son of the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan Princess, once humbled Sun Wukong himself with his unstoppable Samadhi True Fire. Barefoot and fierce, wielding 1/2
Red Boy, the Infant King, son of the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan Princess, once humbled Sun Wukong himself with his unstoppable Samadhi True Fire. Barefoot and fierce, wielding 1/2
China’s first monster manual wasn’t penned by man, It was whispered by Bai Ze, a divine beast with the gift of speech. #mythology
When the Yellow Emperor encountered him by the Eastern Sea, Bai Ze revealed the names, forms, and weaknesses of thousands of spirits and monsters. 1/2
When the Yellow Emperor encountered him by the Eastern Sea, Bai Ze revealed the names, forms, and weaknesses of thousands of spirits and monsters. 1/2
November 30, 2025 at 2:37 PM
China’s first monster manual wasn’t penned by man, It was whispered by Bai Ze, a divine beast with the gift of speech. #mythology
When the Yellow Emperor encountered him by the Eastern Sea, Bai Ze revealed the names, forms, and weaknesses of thousands of spirits and monsters. 1/2
When the Yellow Emperor encountered him by the Eastern Sea, Bai Ze revealed the names, forms, and weaknesses of thousands of spirits and monsters. 1/2
In the Chinese underworld, judgment isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Would you rather stand before Pan Guan, the solemn scribe of fate, who quietly alters lifespans with a stroke of his brush, or face a military judge, whip in hand, ready to lash both ghosts and sinners into submission?
in ALT.
#folklore
Would you rather stand before Pan Guan, the solemn scribe of fate, who quietly alters lifespans with a stroke of his brush, or face a military judge, whip in hand, ready to lash both ghosts and sinners into submission?
in ALT.
#folklore
November 29, 2025 at 5:03 PM
In the Chinese underworld, judgment isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Would you rather stand before Pan Guan, the solemn scribe of fate, who quietly alters lifespans with a stroke of his brush, or face a military judge, whip in hand, ready to lash both ghosts and sinners into submission?
in ALT.
#folklore
Would you rather stand before Pan Guan, the solemn scribe of fate, who quietly alters lifespans with a stroke of his brush, or face a military judge, whip in hand, ready to lash both ghosts and sinners into submission?
in ALT.
#folklore
In ancient China, tales from the Guangyang Miscellaneous Records warned of the Yellow Demon, a monstrous, feline-like predator with a grotesque head and matted yellow fur.
On the 22nd of each lunar month, it prowled villages, luring house cats into rivers, ... 1/2
#folklore #caturday
On the 22nd of each lunar month, it prowled villages, luring house cats into rivers, ... 1/2
#folklore #caturday
November 29, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Chinese mythology isn’t all peace and balance, it also roars with cosmic rebellion.
Gonggong, the red-haired water god with a serpent’s body, born of fire yet master of floods. In a furious clash with Emperor Zhuanxu, Gonggong struck Buzhou Mountain, a pillar of... 1/2
🎨 Snow Fish
Gonggong, the red-haired water god with a serpent’s body, born of fire yet master of floods. In a furious clash with Emperor Zhuanxu, Gonggong struck Buzhou Mountain, a pillar of... 1/2
🎨 Snow Fish
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Chinese mythology isn’t all peace and balance, it also roars with cosmic rebellion.
Gonggong, the red-haired water god with a serpent’s body, born of fire yet master of floods. In a furious clash with Emperor Zhuanxu, Gonggong struck Buzhou Mountain, a pillar of... 1/2
🎨 Snow Fish
Gonggong, the red-haired water god with a serpent’s body, born of fire yet master of floods. In a furious clash with Emperor Zhuanxu, Gonggong struck Buzhou Mountain, a pillar of... 1/2
🎨 Snow Fish
In every village shrine and roadside altar, Tudigong, the kindly Lord of the Land, stands watch.
More than a deity, he’s the spiritual grandfather of the community, blessing crops, guarding homes, and anchoring families to the land beneath their feet. 1/2
#mythology
More than a deity, he’s the spiritual grandfather of the community, blessing crops, guarding homes, and anchoring families to the land beneath their feet. 1/2
#mythology
November 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
In every village shrine and roadside altar, Tudigong, the kindly Lord of the Land, stands watch.
More than a deity, he’s the spiritual grandfather of the community, blessing crops, guarding homes, and anchoring families to the land beneath their feet. 1/2
#mythology
More than a deity, he’s the spiritual grandfather of the community, blessing crops, guarding homes, and anchoring families to the land beneath their feet. 1/2
#mythology
What began as a nap beneath blooming plum trees became a beauty trend that echoed through dynasties.
Princess Shouyang dozed in the palace garden, and when she awoke, fallen petals clung gently to her forehead. The Empress, enchanted by this accidental elegance, urged her to ... 1/2
#folklore
Princess Shouyang dozed in the palace garden, and when she awoke, fallen petals clung gently to her forehead. The Empress, enchanted by this accidental elegance, urged her to ... 1/2
#folklore
November 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
What began as a nap beneath blooming plum trees became a beauty trend that echoed through dynasties.
Princess Shouyang dozed in the palace garden, and when she awoke, fallen petals clung gently to her forehead. The Empress, enchanted by this accidental elegance, urged her to ... 1/2
#folklore
Princess Shouyang dozed in the palace garden, and when she awoke, fallen petals clung gently to her forehead. The Empress, enchanted by this accidental elegance, urged her to ... 1/2
#folklore
Chinese hell isn’t just fire and torment. It’s a moral courtroom.
Yan Wang, the King of Hell, doesn’t simply punish; he evaluates, records, and offers a path to redemption. In this intricate system, even the gravest sinners aren’t doomed forever. By accepting their sentence and 1/2
#folklore
Yan Wang, the King of Hell, doesn’t simply punish; he evaluates, records, and offers a path to redemption. In this intricate system, even the gravest sinners aren’t doomed forever. By accepting their sentence and 1/2
#folklore
November 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Chinese hell isn’t just fire and torment. It’s a moral courtroom.
Yan Wang, the King of Hell, doesn’t simply punish; he evaluates, records, and offers a path to redemption. In this intricate system, even the gravest sinners aren’t doomed forever. By accepting their sentence and 1/2
#folklore
Yan Wang, the King of Hell, doesn’t simply punish; he evaluates, records, and offers a path to redemption. In this intricate system, even the gravest sinners aren’t doomed forever. By accepting their sentence and 1/2
#folklore
Why do some Chinese dragons coil endlessly around pillars, never soaring skyward?
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
November 26, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Why do some Chinese dragons coil endlessly around pillars, never soaring skyward?
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
Think you’ve seen a Chinese dragon gliding through a lake? Look again.
It might be a Chinese Jiao (蛟), another misunderstood creature often mistaken for its nobler cousin. Unlike dragons, Jiao bring floods and chaos, not blessings. They lack regal horns, but bear a fleshy mark 1/2
It might be a Chinese Jiao (蛟), another misunderstood creature often mistaken for its nobler cousin. Unlike dragons, Jiao bring floods and chaos, not blessings. They lack regal horns, but bear a fleshy mark 1/2
November 26, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Think you’ve seen a Chinese dragon gliding through a lake? Look again.
It might be a Chinese Jiao (蛟), another misunderstood creature often mistaken for its nobler cousin. Unlike dragons, Jiao bring floods and chaos, not blessings. They lack regal horns, but bear a fleshy mark 1/2
It might be a Chinese Jiao (蛟), another misunderstood creature often mistaken for its nobler cousin. Unlike dragons, Jiao bring floods and chaos, not blessings. They lack regal horns, but bear a fleshy mark 1/2
In Chinese #mythology, the Kunlun Mountain is a mythic realm where flames burn without fuel, and water won’t float a feather. It’s a threshold to the divine, home to immortals and ruled by the Queen Mother of the West. 1/2
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
In Chinese #mythology, the Kunlun Mountain is a mythic realm where flames burn without fuel, and water won’t float a feather. It’s a threshold to the divine, home to immortals and ruled by the Queen Mother of the West. 1/2