Background

Chinese folk religion refers to a broad category of spiritual beliefs and customs from present-day China. It may be observed that China has a vast population and attested record of mythology since at least 1766 BCE.^[1] As a result, it is hasty to conclude that China has a single religion or single tradition with respect to mythological stories.

Chinese creation myths

Chinese folk religion has several creation stories that also include regional variations. One common narrative is known as the Legend of Pangu. The Pangu legend attributes creation of the universe by Pangu, who was said to take 18,000 years to complete his work before expiring. As he died, his body parts, voice, and features became celestial bodies and other Earthly components.^[2] This narrative, however, is not said to have appeared until much later after the first kingdoms in China were established ca. 2000 BCE.^[3]