Yao-Chinese Folktales

Yao-Chinese Folktales, also known as Zhongguo Qitan, is a Chinese fantasy anthology web animation series co-produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio and Bilibili. The series consists of eight independent short stories, each directed by a different director and themed around traditional Chinese culture, showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and storytelling methods. The plot of Yao-Chinese Folktales draws inspiration from ancient Chinese legends, myths, and folk tales, skillfully incorporating modern social elements to resonate with audiences. For instance, the first episode, 'Nobody,' is inspired by 'Journey to the West' and depicts the workplace struggles of low-level monsters. 'Goose Mountain,' on the other hand, is adapted from a ghost story of the Southern Dynasties, exploring the complexity of human nature with a fantastical style. Since its premiere on Bilibili in January 2023, Yao-Chinese Folktales has garnered widespread acclaim for its unique artistic style and profound themes, achieving high ratings on platforms like Douban. It has also sparked some debate about whether its content is suitable for children. The series is considered an innovative attempt in the Chinese animation industry to explore traditional cultural themes.