Hou Yi the Archer

A long time ago in ancient China, the sky was home to ten blazing suns. They took their turns lighting the earth, until one day they rose together. They scorched the land, dried up rivers, and burned crops to ash. The people suffered, unable to survive under the relentless heat.

A heroic archer, Hou Yi, known for his unmatched skill and steady heart, stepped forward. Tasked by heaven to save the world, he climbed the highest mountain and found a mighty bow. As the suns watched from above, he began a mission that would save the world, but at a great cost.

This book tells the story of Hou Yi in Simplified Chinese, pinyin and English, using just 640 different words. This format makes it ideal for readers of all ages who are learning Chinese, deepening their appreciation of Chinese culture, or exploring classic mythology. Each page balances ease of reading with historical accuracy, making the story easy to follow while staying true to its legendary roots.

This book is part of the Heroes of Ancient China series of graded readers. Whether you are new to Chinese myths or revisiting familiar tales, Hou Yi the Archer is an engaging way to experience one of Chinas most enduring stories.

An audiobook is available on YouTube, on the Imagin8 Press channel.