Who Are the Eight Immortals?
The Eight Immortals (八仙, Bā Xiān) are a group of legendary beings in Chinese mythology. Once ordinary mortals, each attained immortality and carries a signature magic tool — together they represent different conditions of life: the poor, the rich, the old, the young, the male, the female, the noble and the humble. Below are all eight.
Li Tieguai 铁拐李
A limping beggar-immortal carrying an iron crutch and a medicine gourd, patron of the sick and needy.
Zhongli Quan 汉钟离
A jovial elder whose magic fan can revive the dead and turn stone into gold.
Lü Dongbin 吕洞宾
A scholar-swordsman and patron of scholars and warriors, the most widely revered of the Eight.
Zhang Guolao 张果老
An eccentric elder sage who rides his white donkey facing backwards and carries a bamboo fish drum.
Han Xiangzi 韩湘子
A young flutist whose music can make flowers bloom and charm all living things.
Lan Caihe 蓝采和
An androgynous wandering minstrel carrying a flower basket, symbol of the free spirit.
He Xiangu 何仙姑
The only female immortal, holding a magic lotus that purifies body and mind.
Cao Guojiu 曹国舅
A former imperial relative turned immortal, holding a jade court tablet, patron of actors.
Advertisement