A Fateful Encounter at West Lake
As sudden spring rain poured down, Xu Xian lent them his umbrella—a seemingly small gesture that would spark a powerful, fated love story between a man and a spirit.
A Forbidden Romance
After their encounter, Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian fell deeply in love and soon married. With her magical abilities, Bai Suzhen healed the sick and helped many people, earning their admiration. However, their happiness was short-lived.
A Buddhist monk named Fa Hai, known for his strict views and spiritual powers, discovered Bai Suzhen's true identity and believed she was a dangerous demon. Determined to separate the couple, he devised a plan.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, Fa Hai tricked Xu Xian into giving Bai Suzhen realgar wine, which forces spirits to reveal their true form. Upon drinking it, Bai Suzhen transformed back into a large white snake, horrifying Xu Xian and causing him to faint. When he awoke, he fled to Jinshan Temple, where Fa Hai kept him captive to prevent any reunion.
The Battle at Jinshan Temple
Refusing to be separated from her husband, Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing launched a daring rescue mission. They summoned floodwaters and attempted to break into the temple. A fierce battle broke out between Bai Suzhen and Fa Hai, shaking the land and frightening nearby villagers.
Despite her strength, Bai Suzhen was pregnant and weakened. In the end, she was overpowered and imprisoned beneath Leifeng Pagoda, trapped by divine forces.
Before her imprisonment, she entrusted her final hope to Xiaoqing, asking her to grow stronger and one day return to rescue her.
Reunion After Years of Separation
Years passed. Xiaoqing mastered powerful spiritual arts and returned to break the seal on Leifeng Pagoda, freeing Bai Suzhen. By then, Xu Xian had become a monk—but he never stopped loving his wife. The heavens, moved by their unwavering love and sacrifice, finally allowed the couple to reunite and live together in peace.
What the White Snake Legend Teaches Us
The Legend of the White Snake is more than a romantic fantasy. It represents the struggle between love and social norms, between the spiritual and human worlds. It speaks to themes of sacrifice, loyalty, resilience, and the eternal power of true love.
Even today, Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian remain one of China’s most cherished symbols of eternal devotion. Their story continues to inspire generations through literature, opera, animation, and film—not just in China but around the world.