The Eight Immortals (八仙, Bāxiān) are legendary figures in Chinese mythology and Daoist tradition, known for their supernatural powers and their ability to transcend death. They are famous for the story “The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” (八仙过海, Bāxiān Guò Hǎi), in which each uses their unique abilities or magical artifacts to cross the sea instead of relying on a boat. Here are the Eight Immortals: 1. Zhang Guolao (张果老) – An elderly sage who rides a magical, backward-facing donkey that can be folded and stored in a small container. His symbol is a bamboo drum or fish-drum (鱼鼓). 2. Zhongli Quan (钟离权) – A robust immortal with a bare belly, known for his great wisdom and ability to revive the dead. His symbol is a fan (芭蕉扇), which can bring life or death. 3. Lu Dongbin (吕洞宾) – A scholar and swordsman, often considered the leader of the Eight Immortals. His symbol is a sword (宝剑), which he uses to slay demons. 4. Han Xiangzi (韩湘子) – A musician and poet, said to be the nephew of Tang dynasty Confucian scholar Han Yu. His symbol is a flute (洞箫), which can summon flowers and animals. 5. Cao Guojiu (曹国舅) – A nobleman of royal descent, representing integrity and officialdom. His symbol is a pair of jade tablets (玉板), signifying power and status. 6. Li Tieguai (李铁拐) – A crippled beggar carrying an iron crutch. He represents perseverance and humility. His symbol is a gourd (葫芦), containing medicine or magical elixirs. 7. Lan Caihe (蓝采和) – An androgynous or gender-fluid figure, often depicted wearing ragged clothes and carrying a flower basket (花篮). They symbolize detachment from worldly concerns. 8. He Xiangu (何仙姑) – The only female immortal, known for her beauty and purity. Her symbol is a lotus flower (莲花), representing health and spiritual enlightenment. Each immortal has distinct characteristics, and their legend reflects Daoist themes of transcendence, balance, and harmony with nature.