Chinese Myths for Kids in Audio: Chang’e, Hou Yi, Nüwa

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

1. Cangjie Invents WritingAges 5–12

   Writing lets knowledge be kept, sent far away and handed down to people not yet born. Cangjie finds his idea by watching a hunter read tracks, a reminder that paying close attention to small things can solve a big problem.

2. Chang'e Flies to the MoonAges 5–10

   Chang'e protects something precious from someone who would misuse it, even though it costs her dearly. Hou Yi's table under the moon and the neighbours' offerings turn missing someone into a reason to gather, which is what the Mid-Autumn Festival is all about.

3. Yu the Great Tames the FloodAges 5–12

   Working with nature beats fighting it: Yu learned how water behaves before he tried to control it. The story is also about duty and sacrifice, and it honours the family who waited at home as much as the hero who went away.

4. 共工怒触不周山5–10 岁

   共工一时发怒，撞断了撑天的柱子，造成了再也无法挽回的后果。故事告诉孩子：输了也要冷静，生气的时候不能乱发脾气、破坏东西。它也是古人对“太阳为什么西落、江河为什么东流”的浪漫解释。

5. Hou Yi Shoots Down the SunsAges 4–10

   Great strength is for protecting others, and Hou Yi tries words before arrows. The littlest sun shows children that rules exist to look after everyone, and that owning up to a mistake earns a second chance.

6. Jingwei Fills the SeaAges 5–10

   Jingwei is tiny and the sea is huge, but she doesn't give up just because the job is hard. It is a story about determination, about turning loss into something that protects others, and about how one small creature's courage can bring friends to help.

7. Kuafu Chases the SunAges 5–10

   Kuafu dares to race the sun, and even as he falls he leaves his staff behind for others, a picture of courage and of chasing the light no matter what. The old books also say he did not measure his own strength, so it is worth asking children: big dreams are wonderful, but how should you prepare for them?

8. Nezha Stirs Up the SeaAges 6–12

   Nezha owns up to what he did and refuses to let his parents pay for it, which is real courage. But his rashness also brings trouble on his whole family, so the story is a good way to talk about thinking before you act, especially when you are strong.

9. Nüwa Mends the SkyAges 5–10

   When something breaks, own up and help fix it. Nüwa doesn't run from a falling sky; she mends it stone by stone, with help from the children, the fire god and an old turtle.

10. Pangu Separates Heaven and EarthAges 4–10

    Pangu spends eighteen thousand years holding up the sky and then gives his whole body to make the world, a picture of courage, perseverance and selfless giving. It also shows children how people in ancient China imagined where everything came from.

11. Shennong Tastes a Hundred HerbsAges 5–10

    Shennong takes risks for everyone else, bite by bite, until he finds healing herbs and grains to grow, which is the spirit of working hard for others and daring to explore. It also teaches children that something pretty is not always safe, and that plants they don't know must never go in their mouths.