Chinese Folklore (1974)
A landmark TVB anthology series bringing ancient Chinese folk tales, myths, and legends to life across two decades of Hong Kong television.
Chinese Folklore - Series Information
- Original Title: 民間傳奇
- First Air Year: 1974
- Last Air Year: 1982
- Type: TV Series
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 160
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Networks: TVB Jade
- Production Companies: TVB
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
- Alternative Titles: 帝女花 (HK)
Chinese Folklore - Plot
《民間傳奇》adapted dozens of famous Chinese folk tales, dramas, and myth legends, such as "The Butterfly Lovers" and "Chang'e Flying to the Moon". These stories show the joys and sorrows of ancient Chinese people, and celebrate the righteous and kind while condemning evil. The endings are not always perfect, but justice eventually prevails and evil-doers get what they deserve. The show is a classic in Chinese TV history, often broadcasted during holidays, and remains unsurpassed to this day.
Where to Watch Chinese Folklore
Looking for where to watch Chinese Folklore?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Chinese Folklore - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Shek Sau
- Adam Cheng Siu-Chow
- Liza Wong Ming-Chuen
- Chow Yun-Fat
- Damian Lau Chung-Yan
- Ha Yue
- Wong Wan-Choi
- Lisa Lui Yau-Wai
- Candice Yu On-On
- Louise Lee Si-Kei
Chinese Folklore - FAQs
What Chinese folk tales does Chinese Folklore adapt?
The series brings to life dozens of beloved Chinese legends, including The Butterfly Lovers — a tragic romance often called China's Romeo and Juliet — and Chang'e Flying to the Moon, the myth behind the Mid-Autumn Festival. Each story draws from centuries of Chinese cultural tradition, blending romance, morality, and myth.
Is Chinese Folklore based on real stories or pure fiction?
The series is rooted in genuine Chinese cultural heritage. The tales it adapts — from The Butterfly Lovers to Chang'e Flying to the Moon — are centuries-old folk legends, myths, and classical dramas passed down through generations. While fictional in nature, they reflect real historical values, beliefs, and social customs of ancient China.
Who are the main actors in Chinese Folklore?
The series features an impressive ensemble of Hong Kong television legends, including Shek Sau, Adam Cheng Siu-Chow, Liza Wong Ming-Chuen, Chow Yun-Fat, Damian Lau Chung-Yan, Ha Yue, Wong Wan-Choi, Lisa Lui Yau-Wai, Candice Yu On-On, and Louise Lee Si-Kei.
How many seasons and episodes does Chinese Folklore have?
Chinese Folklore ran for two seasons totalling 160 episodes. Season 1 is the more expansive run with 150 episodes, while Season 2 comprises 10 episodes. The series aired on TVB Jade between 1974 and 1982, making it one of the longest-running anthology dramas in Hong Kong television history.
Why is Chinese Folklore considered a classic of Hong Kong TV?
Chinese Folklore holds a special place in Hong Kong television history because it preserved and popularised ancient Chinese storytelling for modern audiences. Its anthology format, moral depth, and high production values set a benchmark that few series have matched. It continues to be rebroadcast during holidays, a testament to its enduring cultural resonance.
Did Chow Yun-Fat appear in Chinese Folklore?
Yes, Chow Yun-Fat — who would later become an international film icon through John Woo's action classics — appeared in Chinese Folklore during the early years of his career. His involvement alongside other TVB stalwarts like Adam Cheng Siu-Chow and Liza Wong Ming-Chuen makes the series a fascinating snapshot of Hong Kong's golden era of television talent.
What themes run through Chinese Folklore's stories?
At its heart, Chinese Folklore champions timeless moral values: righteousness, kindness, and the ultimate triumph of justice over evil. The stories portray the joys and sorrows of ancient Chinese life with emotional honesty — not every ending is happy, but wrongdoers always face consequences, giving the series a satisfying moral clarity that resonates across generations.
What shows are similar to Chinese Folklore?
If you enjoy mythology-infused storytelling, American Gods (2017) and Sleepy Hollow (2013) offer compelling supernatural narratives rooted in folklore traditions. For anthology-style drama with moral undertones, Urban Myths (2017) and The Good Place (2016) provide engaging alternatives. The Netflix epic 3 Body Problem (2024) also shares Chinese cultural roots worth exploring.
More About Chinese Folklore
Explore further details about Chinese Folklore on these authoritative databases.