Legend of the White Snake

The legend originated from Chinese folk tales during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and was popularized by the writer Feng Menglong.

The story begins with two serpent spirits—White Snake and Green Snake—who had cultivated spiritual energy for over a thousand years on Mount Emei (峨眉山). Longing to experience the human world, they transformed into beautiful women. The White Snake spirit took the name Bai Suzhen (白素贞), and her companion was known as Xiaoqing (小青).

Upon arriving in the city of Hangzhou (杭州), Bai Suzhen encountered a kind and handsome young man named Xu Xian (许仙) during a rainy day on a bridge. He lent her his umbrella—a simple act of kindness that blossomed into love. Eventually, the two married and lived a peaceful life together running a small herbal medicine shop.

However, their happiness was soon threatened by Fahai (法海), a Buddhist monk from Jinshan Temple (金山寺), who believed that humans and spirits should not coexist. Discovering Bai Suzhen’s true identity, Fahai devised a plan during the Dragon Boat Festival, tricking Xu Xian into giving her a magical wine that would reveal her true form.

Upon drinking the wine, Bai Suzhen’s human disguise dissolved, revealing her original form as a giant white serpent. The sight caused Xu Xian to faint in shock, and he was taken away by Fahai to the temple for spiritual cleansing.

Determined to rescue her husband, Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing launched a fierce attack on the temple. Bai Suzhen even summoned a great flood to break through its defenses, but despite her powers, she failed to retrieve Xu Xian.

Later, Bai Suzhen gave birth to their son, Xu Mengjiao (许梦蛟), who grew up to be a virtuous and respected scholar. Eventually, Fahai captured Bai Suzhen and imprisoned her beneath the Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔) on the shore of West Lake (西湖). There she remained, isolated and sorrowful, with only one hope left: that her son would someday grow strong enough to free her from her confinement.