Chinese Folk Tales

Episodes

• The Birth of Chinese Characters: The Story of Cangjie  20.04.2026 8m

  Special Bonus Episode for UN Chinese Language Day!  Have you ever wondered where the world's oldest continuous writing system came from? Today, we're stepping back thousands of years to meet Cang Jie, the legendary figure believed to have created Chinese characters. Legend says his innovation was so extraordinary that the heavens were moved to shower the earth with grain as a celestial reward – a miraculous event we still celebrate today as Grain Rain (Gǔyǔ).
• Year of the Horse Special | The Right Strategy and the Hidden Luck 12.02.2026 8m

  Would you lose one race to win the whole match? Ancient strategist Sun Bin proved that smart matchups beat raw speed. And sometimes, what looks like bad luck… isn't. From "Tian Ji's Horse Racing" to "Sai Weng Lost His Horse," two stories about timing, patience, and perspective.  (01:04) The Story of Tian Ji's Horse Racing — How to Lose One Race and Win the Game (06:21) The Story of Sai Weng Losing His Horse — When Bad Luck Turns Out to Be Good
• Year of the Horse Special | The Noble Steed and the Toad: Lessons in Judgment and Talent 09.02.2026 9m

  From "Bo Le Discerns a Noble Steed" to "Mistaking a Toad for a Horse," two short Chinese horse-related tales tell big lessons about talent, judgment, and flexibility.  (01:05) The story of Bo Le Discerns a Noble Steed (06:21) The story of Mistaking a Toad for a Horse
• Year of the Horse Special | The Silent Hero: The White Dragon Horse Part 2 06.02.2026 11m

  He rarely spoke. He never boasted. But in the Baoxiang Kingdom, when everyone else failed, the White Dragon Horse drew his sword and revealed his true courage. As the Year of the Horse approaches, listen to this powerful chapter from the classic "Journey to the West." 
• Year of the Horse Special | The Silent Hero: The White Dragon Horse Part 1 03.02.2026 11m

  A dragon-turned horse. A punishment-turned pilgrimage. In this episode of Chinese Folk Tales, we tell the story of the White Dragon Horse from the classic "Journey to the West" — a silent hero for the Year of the Horse.
• Trailer | Ancient Horse Tales for the Year of the Horse 30.01.2026 1m

  As the Year of the Horse approaches, we're saddling up for a journey through China's timeless horse tales. From Bo Le spotting true talent, to Tian Ji's clever race, to the White Dragon Horse of Journey to the West—these aren't just old stories. They're lessons in vision, resilience, and strategy. Gallop into the Year of the Horse with us.
• Xinjiang Series | Lively Stories, Vibrant Streets: My Xinjiang Adventure 19.11.2025 16m

  In this special episode of "Chinese Folk Tales", our journalist Bianca takes you on an unforgettable journey through Xinjiang — from the vibrant Grand Bazaar of Urumqi to the Frog Alley of Turpan. She bites into freshly baked nang, stands before the legendary Flaming Mountains straight out of the classic novel "Journey to the West", and dives into local life for a truly immersive experience. Curious to know what surprised her most? Hit play and join the adventure! 00:00 — Off to Xinjiang! 02:36 — Urumqi Unveiled: Bazaar Buzz & Nang Coffee 07:20 — Into the Flaming Mountain: Where Monkey King "Left His Mark" 09:57 — Walking Through History: The Jiaohe Ruins 11:13 — Frog Valley Legends 13:24 — Back in Studio: Stories, Snacks & Memories
• Xinjiang Series | A doctor's healing bowl and Xinjiang's famous lamb pilaf 14.10.2025 5m

  Over a thousand years ago, an aging doctor discovered that sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of food. In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we follow the story of Shou Zhua Fan – Xinjiang's fragrant lamb pilaf eaten with bare hands which is a dish that heals, nourishes, and forges community connections. More than a dish, it's a story you can taste.
• Xinjiang Series | A roadside chicken dish-turned Xinjiang's culinary icon 10.10.2025 6m

  Tender chicken, spicy chilies, saucy potatoes, and chewy noodles – all piled high on one massive plate. More than just food, Big Plate Chicken is a tale of drivers, highways, and the irresistible joy of sharing a meal. In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we dish out the flavorful story behind Dapanji – the "Big Plate Chicken" that won the hearts of many.
• Xinjiang Series | A shepherd's dough hat and Xinjiang's beloved nang 07.10.2025 7m

  Under the blazing sun of the Taklamakan Desert, one shepherd's clumsy mishap gave birth to a timeless treasure. In this bonus episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we trace the quirky legend of Turhong and his "dough hat" that turned into Xinjiang's most beloved flatbread – Nang. Crispy, golden, and steeped in tradition, Nang is more than food – it's a story shared and enjoyed across vast regions of the world.
• Xinjiang Series | Professor Zhang: "Loong" is not to be interpreted as a "dragon" 03.10.2025 18m

  Prof. Zhang Juwen argues that translating "龙" as "dragon" perpetuates colonial discourse. The Chinese loong embodies benevolence, ethics, and hope, fundamentally different from the Western concept. True cross-cultural exchange requires a firm challenge to entrenched stereotypes.
• Xinjiang Series | Professor Zhang on how folk tales bridge cultures 30.09.2025 21m

  Folklore expert Professor Zhang Juwen reveals how ancient Chinese folk tales, while adapting, retain their core ethics, fostering global connections and face-to-face bonding in a digital world.
• Xinjiang Series | The secret behind Xinjiang's sweet grapes 26.09.2025 17m

  Once upon a time, the desert kingdom lay choked by yellow dust from raging sandstorms, waiting for a miracle to change its fate. How did it transform into a land renowned for its sweet fruits? This episode reveals the answer. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
• Xinjiang Series | The singing tree 23.09.2025 13m

  Have you ever wondered how the very first stringed instrument came into being? Maybe this story can explain the birth of the very special Dombra. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
• Xinjiang Series | Tale of Boston Lake: the trial of love 19.09.2025 18m

  When times get tough, the Dragon King descends from Heaven to battle the drought – but the arrival of a mysterious demon girl throws everything into disarray. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
• Xinjiang Series | The village girl who became a legend 16.09.2025 14m

  Born in a small village, she captures the king's heart and rises to greatness, leaving a mark on history with her mastery of Xinjiang's unique Muqam music. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
• Xinjiang Series | Witty Afanti's golden revenge 12.09.2025 15m

  Gold coins appear where no one expects…Afanti and his trusty donkey are at it again, showing a greedy man that greed isn't golden. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
• Xinjiang Series | Witty Afanti buys the tree shade 09.09.2025 15m

  Meet the legendary donkey-riding Afanti, renowned for his clever solutions. With the wit sharper than any sword, Afanti can always hatch a clever plan to turn the tables – teaching the arrogant miser an unforgettable a lesson in generosity. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
• Trailer｜Xinjiang Folk Tales: Ancient Legends and Fantastical Stories 05.09.2025 1m

  In this new series of Chinese Folk Tales, we journey to Xinjiang — the vast and enchanting land in far northwest China, home to many ethnic groups that hold a rich reservoir of stories passed down through generations. It's on this land that a witty man rides his donkey backwards, a sacred lake is guarded by ancient spirits, and girls weave tradition into their long braids. Listen to "Chinese Folk Tales: Xinjiang" and discover a Xinjiang you've never seen before.
• The legend behind 'Black Myth: Zhong Kui' 21.08.2025 5m

  Following "Black Myth: Wukong", the new project delves into the legend of Zhong Kui, the fierce ghost hunter of traditional Chinese folklore. For centuries, from the dreams of the Tang Dynasty to the traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, this figure has been revered as the protector of people and their homes. Now, his legend is ready to come alive again.