Myths of the Central Plains

Myths of the Central Plains provides an insight into ancient Chinese beliefs and legends, including creation stories, legendary emperors and heroes, nature myths, immortal deities, and mythical creatures. This book is part of the Chinese Civilisation series which seeks to inform, inspire and ignite curiosity about one of the world's oldest civilisations. “The Central Plains is also a cultural concept, signifying the most orthodox Chinese culture in the traditional sense. The Central Plains, the birthplace of the Chinese nation, has long been regarded as the core area politically, economically and culturally in China, synonymous with the Chinese culture in the traditional sense. Its overwhelming importance was solidified in the earliest Chinese dynasties of Xia, Shang and Zhou, which all had their capitals near the city of Luoyang in Henan Province. Some historical facts placed Luoyang as the centre of the world in Chinese ancestors’ minds and identified the earliest concept of China as the Central Plains area.” - From the Preface