Why Penglai is forever linked to the Eight Immortals

The animated film All Wishes Come True has sparked new interest in Penglai, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province. The connection goes back to one of China's best-known legends, The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea.

According to the story, the Eight Immortals each crossed the sea using a different magical object on their way to Penglai, a mythical island believed to be the home of immortals. Over time, Penglai became closely associated with the legend.

Penglai sits at the northern tip of the Shandong Peninsula. For people in ancient China, it felt like the end of the known world. Beyond it was the open sea, a place full of mystery. It wasn't hard to imagine an immortal world somewhere beyond the horizon.

The area is also famous for sea mirages. Under certain weather conditions, distant landscapes seem to float above the water. Before people understood the science behind the phenomenon, many believed they were seeing the legendary fairy island.

Penglai was also an important port in ancient times. Ancient Dengzhou Port, in today's Penglai, linked central China with Northeast Asia as part of the Maritime Silk Road. The sea crossing was never easy. Over time, stories about immortals crossing the water became part of the city’s identity.