列仙傳

by Xiang Liu

"列仙傳" by Xiang Liu is a hagiography compiled during the 2nd century CE. This ancient Chinese text presents the life stories of approximately seventy mythological and historical transcendent beings—figures who achieved extraordinary longevity through Daoist practices. Though traditionally attributed to Western Han librarian Liu Xiang, the work's true origins remain mysterious, with evidence suggesting later compilation and editing. These biographical sketches became foundational for Chinese religious literature, establishing a template that influenced centuries of spiritual writing and providing educated Chinese readers with a rich source of literary allusion about immortals and alchemists.