Monsters and Ghosts in Chinese Stories and Fantasies: The Illustrated Collection

by Dalin Ren

Overview

Do ghosts and monsters scare you? Or are you convinced they don’ t exist at all? Either way, why not open this book and see for yourself? This collection brings together some of the most iconic ghost and monster stories from China, offering a glimpse into a supernatural world unlike anything you’ ve encountered before. Here, ghosts are not simply restless spirits— they may be bound by unfinished business, or even serve as protectors, watching over their loved ones from beyond. Monsters, on the other hand, are often creatures that have gained spiritual power through years of cultivation. Among them are clever and cunning fox spirits, graceful and enchanting flower spirits, and mischievous woodland creatures. Some are kind and compassionate, while others test the limits of human nature. They may become friends, mentors, or even lovers— but just as easily, they can transform into powerful adversaries. Neither purely good nor wholly evil, they exist within their own supernatural order, following rules that humans may never fully understand. This book offers a profound exploration of life, reincarnation, morality, and human nature, which may help you delve into the intricate relationships between humans and non-humans, the nuanced interplay of good and evil, and the deeper philosophical reflections on humanity’s coexistence with nature. It challenges you to rethink the very nature of “monsters.” In these stories, spirits are not always foes, and ghosts can be guardians. The boundary between human and non-human is often far more fluid than we assume. So now, step into this world of the ghost and monster. Discover stories and fantasies that have been passed down for centuries, filled with wisdom, intrigue, and a touch of the unknown.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632880628
Publisher:	Shanghai Press
Publication date:	04/20/2026
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ren Dalin, the chief editor, is from Zhejiang province, China, and has published dozens of children’s literary works. He has won the first prize of the second China Children’s Literature and Art Award, the China Excellent Children’s Book Award, and the China Children’s Literature Theory Award. He was once a member of the Children’s Literature Committee of the China Writers Association and the deputy director of the Children’s Literature Committee of the Shanghai Writers’ Association.