Yao Bai Ku

Yao Bai Ku is a systematic encyclopedia project cataloging Chinese supernatural creatures, mythological beings, and folkloric monsters from thousands of years of recorded history. The database draws from over three hundred classical Chinese texts spanning pre-Qin dynasty documents through Ming and Qing notebook novels, including the Classic of Mountains and Seas, Taiping Guangji compiled during the Song dynasty, and Pu Songling's Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. Each entry provides the creature's name, alternative names, the specific classical source where it was documented, physical appearance, behavioral traits, and associated legends. The editorial team annotates every record with original literary citations, letting researchers trace each claim back to primary sources. Entries are organized by morphology such as humanoid or beast-shaped spirits, by dynasty of first documentation, and by geographic region. Beyond text entries, the project hosts original illustrations by contemporary artists who reimagine ancient monsters as vivid character designs. Founded around 2018 by volunteers in folklore studies and digital humanities, it has grown into the most comprehensive Chinese monster culture archive online. Scholars studying mythology, comparative religion, and classical literature use it alongside creative professionals in game design and animation who need authentic source material for supernatural character concepts.