Chinese Folk Legends in Audio: The Cowherd and the Weaver

Every story at a glance: what it teaches and who it suits

1. The Legend of the White SnakeAges 6–12

   Judge people by their hearts and deeds, not by where they come from. Lady White risks everything for the people she loves, and the story warns against doubting someone who truly cares for you just because of what others whisper.

2. The Eight Immortals Cross the SeaAges 4–10

   Everyone has their own strengths, and each of us can tackle a hard job in our own way; when a friend is in trouble, everyone pulls together. The Dragon Prince is a simple lesson too: however much you like something, you can't just grab it.

3. The Legend of the Double Ninth FestivalAges 5 and up

   Climbing high, zhuyu and chrysanthemum wine all carry the old wish to keep misfortune away and live a long, healthy life. Huan Jing listens to good advice and brings his whole family along, which is why the Double Ninth is also a day for families and for honouring older people.

4. The Nine-Colored DeerAges 4–10

   Repay kindness and keep your promises; whoever betrays a friend for money will be found out in the end. The deer also shows that telling the truth calmly, even in danger, takes real courage.

5. 腊八粥的传说4–10 岁

   从老鼠洞里掏出来的一把杂粮，救了一个饿肚子的孩子；当上皇帝，他也没忘了那碗粥。故事告诉孩子：一粥一饭来之不易，日子再好，也要珍惜粮食。

6. The Butterfly LoversAges 7 and up; best shared with a grown-up

   It is a story about friendship, love and courage: Yingtai dares to dress as a boy to get an education and stays true to her heart to the end. It also invites children to think about how unfair it was when young people had no say in who they married.

7. Lady Meng Jiang and the Great WallAges 7 and up

   It is a story of love and courage: an ordinary young woman walks hundreds of miles alone to keep her husband warm. It also remembers the ordinary people who suffered under forced labour, and imagines that true grief could move even stone.

8. The Ballad of MulanAges 6–12

   Mulan does a hard, brave thing out of love for her family, and when it is over she asks for no title and no fortune, only to go home. The ballad's closing riddle of the two rabbits says that courage and skill don't depend on whether you are a boy or a girl.

9. The Legend of NianAges 4–9

   Clever thinking can beat even a scary problem, and Granny's kindness to a stranger brings the whole village its answer. The story ties together the New Year customs of red couplets, lanterns, firecrackers and staying up late, so it is perfect to tell at the Spring Festival.

10. The Cowherd and the Weaver GirlAges 5–12

    Kindness and hard work are worth treasuring, and a loving family keeps reaching for each other, even across a river of stars. That is why Qixi is often called Chinese Valentine's Day, though its older name is the Begging for Skills Festival.

11. The Snail GirlAges 4–9

    Honest, hard-working, grateful people find their lives growing better, but it is Xie Duan's own year-round work, not the magic shell, that truly changes his life. The story also gently reminds children to treasure kindness and to respect other people's secrets.

12. The Legend of the Lantern FestivalAges 4–10

    Dongfang Shuo uses one clever idea to bring a homesick girl back to her family. It shows children that if you truly want to help someone, you can find a way, and that the heart of the Lantern Festival is a family being together.

13. 灶王爷的传说4–10 岁

    糖瓜能让灶王爷嘴甜，可真正让他说好话的，是虎子自己认了错。故事告诉孩子：做错了事不要藏，知错就改才是好孩子。