Although China’s historical roots can only be traced back 4,000 years, its mythological roots go back much further into Chinese history, starting with the Xia dynasty. Occupying the northern extent of China from about 2000 to 1500 b.c.e., the Xia were known to worship a snake deity, known as Nuwa, who was considered the ancestor of the Xia. Over time, the conception of Nuwa changed, turning the deity into multiple dragons, who remained prominent figures of the mythology and, in general, Chinese culture. The dragons were considered to be the ancestors of the numerous emperors and symbolized good luck ("Chinese Mythology").

With the end of the Xia dynasty due to the rise of an ignorant, prodigal emperor, Emperor Jie, and a subsequent overthrow by Tang of Shang, the Shang dynasty assumed power and ruled from 1500 to 1066 b.c (Mark, "Xia Dynasty"). Throughout the Shang dynasty, the most important deity, also known as Shangti, a being regarded as the supreme deity and ancestor of the people, was worshiped along with natural entities, such as celestial objects, such the sun, moon and earth, and natural forces, such as rain and clouds. Although the Shang dynasty was toppled in 1050 BCE by Zhou conquers, Shangti remained a prominent deity in the Chinese pantheon. Furthermore, throughout the Zhou dynasty, who came to power after the fall of the Shang dynasty, significant changes took place in Chinese culture and mythology as, “people still worshiped the old gods, but ancestor worship became increasingly important” (“Chinese Mythology”). In addition to the importance of ancestry being elevated, Confucianism and Taoism were also introduced and mixed into pre-existing Chinese myths, expanding and altering Chinese culture ("Chinese Mythology").

Over a period of time, almost a few hundred years, the Zhou dynasty ruled. Through a war between provinces of China and the dynasty, however, the Qin dynasty came to power, having detrimental impacts on Chinese mythology (Mark, "Zhou Dynasty"). During Emperor Shi Huangdi’s rule, around 213 b.c., he “ordered the burning of all books on subjects other than medicine, prophecy, and farming” (“Chinese Mythology”). Although the literature was recovered when the emperor’s order was reversed in 191 b.c., the material was “rewritten to support ideas popular with the royal court at the time, including that of a hierarchy in government” (“Chinese Mythology”). As a result, Chinese culture and beliefs were permanently altered as an altered pantheon of deities, demonstrating the ideals of the Chinese empire, represented Chinese myths. Furthermore, much like Confucianism and Taoism influenced Chinese mythology, culture, and society, Buddhism, originating from India, had the same effect on these Chinese elements. Arriving before a.d 100, Buddhism created a composite belief between Taoism and Confucianism with the three faiths regarded as parts of the same religion by the Chinese people. For example, the “Buddhists and Taoists honored each other's deities in their temples, and both incorporated principles of Confucianism, such as ancestor worship, in their beliefs” (“Chinese Mythology”). In other words, the three faiths, largely connected by similar ideals, were interwoven into each other not only by the followers but also the Chinese people. Additionally, Daoism, originating in the eastern Chinese province of Henan around 6th century BCE, had a profound impact on Chinese culture (Ames et al.).