Where to start
Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio
2 versions · originally a book, 2006
Themes: Transformation, Morality, Social Commentary, The Supernatural in Everyday Life, Fox Spirits.
Pu Songling’s classic collection explores the intersection of the supernatural and the mundane through elegant, witty, and evocative storytelling.
✦ Most fans start here
Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (2006)

The original novel
✦ Start hereStrange Tales from a Chinese Studio
Pu Songling · Book · 2006
Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (2006) serves as the definitive literary source, providing 104 exquisite, witty miniatures that define the pinnacle of classical Chinese fiction for patient readers.

1970 film
A Touch of Zen
King Hu · Film · 1970
A Touch of Zen (1970) translates the atmospheric spirit of the source material into a visually stunning cinematic experience, focusing on the intersection of political intrigue and Buddhist mysticism.
Common questions
Is Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio available as a film adaptation?
While the 2006 book Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio is a collection of literary works, the 1970 film A Touch of Zen is a notable adaptation that draws from the same source material and thematic traditions associated with the author Pu Songling.
Should I read Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio before watching A Touch of Zen?
You do not need to read the 2006 book Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio to understand the 1970 film A Touch of Zen. Both works function independently, though reading the book provides greater context for the folklore and supernatural elements featured in the movie.
What is the connection between the 2006 book Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio and A Touch of Zen?
The 1970 film A Touch of Zen is based on stories written by Pu Songling. These stories are collected in the 2006 edition of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, which serves as the primary literary source for the supernatural themes depicted in the film.
How long is the 2006 edition of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio?
The 2006 edition of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio is an anthology of classical Chinese supernatural stories. As a collection of short narratives rather than a single novel, the length varies by publication format, but it remains a comprehensive volume of the original author's work.