Legends of the Eight Immortals

The legends of the Eight Immortals are widely spread among the people. Centered in Penglai, these stories have spread throughout China and to countries such as Japan, South Korea, North Korea, the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Russia through religion, folklore, literature, and art. These tales have evolved into a comprehensive folk art with significant cultural value.

The Eight Immortals consist of seven men and one woman: Han Zhongli (Zhongli Quan), Zhang Guolao, Han Xiangzi, Li Tieguai, Cao Guojiu, Lü Dongbin, Lan Caihe, and He Xiangu. According to the legend, the Eight Immortals traveled the world to punish evil, reward virtue, and help the poor. The most famous legend is the “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea”: After attending the Peach Blossom Banquet hosted by the Queen Mother of the West, the immortals were drinking and enjoying themselves on the fairy mountains and pavilions of Penglai. Li Tieguai proposed crossing the sea and other immortals agreed. To show that they were immortals rather than mortals, they decided to use their own magical instruments and special power as tools to cross the sea instead of taking a boat. While crossing the sea, they had a conflict with the Dragon King's third son, which led to a battle. Fortunately, Guanyin Bodhisattva intervened in time and mediated the conflict. After bidding farewell to Guanyin, the Eight Immortals continued their journey across the sea with their magical instruments.