Step into ancient China and witness the legendary oath that united three heroes-Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei-in a bond of brotherhood. In this retelling of the classic story from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, you'll follow the trio as they pledge loyalty and vow to restore peace to a troubled land, all under the blossoming peach trees. It's a timeless tale of friendship, honor, and adventure.
As you read this intermediate (B1) simplified Chinese version, you'll encounter key vocabulary related to oaths, loyalty, and historical settings. Tap any word you don't know for an instant translation, and listen to the full story audio to perfect your pronunciation. After the story, check out the lesson notes for extra practice and cultural insights.
This interactive graded reader is perfect for learners who want to enjoy a classic narrative while naturally building their Chinese skills. Read at your own pace, repeat the audio as often as you like, and dive deeper with clickable word help-all here to make your learning journey feel less like a lesson and more like an adventure.
东汉末年，。
皇帝没有，老百姓。到处都是和。
在涿郡的一个小镇上，正在。他叫刘备。
刘备虽然，但他有。他的祖先是汉朝的。
一天，刘备看到城门上贴着一张。
他站在告示前，又。
"大丈夫，为什么在这里叹气？"
一个从背后传来。刘备回头一看，一个黑脸大汉正他。
这个人叫张飞。他家里有些钱，喜欢英雄好汉。
"我们一起吧！"张飞邀请刘备。
两人走进一家小酒店，。
"我也想，可是我一个人能做什么呢？"刘备说。
"我们两个人可以一起做啊！不过，最好再找一些。"张飞回答。
正在这时，一个红脸大汉走进酒店。他，长须飘飘。
他就是关羽，一个因为杀了而的英雄。
"给我来一碗酒，我要当兵！"关羽大声说。
张飞连忙关羽过来一起坐。三个人，越聊越。
"我们三个人，为什么不呢？"张飞提议。
刘备和关羽都高兴地。
第二天，张飞的家后面有一个，，一片粉红色。
三个人准备了一头牛、一匹马、一份，开始。
他们，对着天地：
"我们虽然不同姓，但今天。从此，有福同享，有难同当。"
誓言的声音在桃花林中。
刘备是大哥，关羽是二哥，张飞是三弟。他们彼此的手。
从此以后，他们三个人的紧紧连在一起。
他们了五百名壮士，，准备为国家战斗。
虽然，但他们并不害怕，因为他们有彼此。
桃园里的桃花像火一样红。的心也一样热。
The story is packed with vivid words and timeless expressions. Let's pull out a few that will instantly boost your intermediate Chinese.
Notice how these words are used in the story - they often carry emotional weight or historical flavor.
- 叹气 (tàn qì) - to sigh.刘备 sighs (叹气) at the recruitment notice, showing his frustration.
- 结拜 (jié bài) - to become sworn brothers. A formal ritual, not just making friends.
- 同心协力 (tóng xīn xié lì) - to work together with one heart. From their oath.
- 有福同享，有难同当 (yǒu fú tóng xiǎng, yǒu nàn tóng dāng) - share blessings and bear hardships together. A classic idiom.
The story uses concessive structures and classical parallel phrasing that are common in intermediate Chinese. Let's break down two key patterns.
These patterns add rhythm and sincerity, making speech or writing feel more connected to Chinese literary tradition.
- 虽然...但是... (suīrán... dànshì...): 刘备虽然穷，但他有远大的理想。"Although Liu Bei was poor, he had great ambitions." This structure introduces a contrast; the second clause often emphasizes determination.
- 不求...但求... (bù qiú... dàn qiú...): 不求同年同月同日生，但求同年同月同日死。"We do not ask to be born on the same day, but we ask to die on the same day." The first part sets a low expectation, and the second part dramatically raises the commitment.
Sworn brotherhood (结拜) is more than a plot device - it's a deep cultural ideal, representing loyalty and shared destiny.
The Oath of the Peach Garden became the ultimate symbol of brotherhood in Chinese literature, inspiring countless novels and films. Even today, the phrase '桃园结义' refers to a bond of absolute trust.
- Oaths often include symmetrical phrases like '有福同享，有难同当' to stress equality and mutual sacrifice.
- The peach garden setting is symbolic: peach blossoms represent spring, renewal, and the fleeting beauty of life, making the oath feel both urgent and eternal.
Try retelling the oath scene in your own words, using at least two of the vocabulary items above. Imagine you are Zhang Fei inviting Liu Bei and Guan Yu to become brothers.
Read the story aloud - the rhythmic oath is especially satisfying to speak. Then, explore other classic tales of loyalty like 'Water Margin' to see more Chinese brotherhood themes.
桃园结义 comes from the Chinese / Romance of Three Kingdoms tradition and is best known as a historical novel episode. This Yak Yacker article is an original learner retelling based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms, 14th century; public domain, so the wording here is simplified for modern learners rather than copied from one old edition.
Older printings, translations, and retellings of this story can vary quite a bit. The original audience was usually general, but this version is adapted for B1 Intermediate learners studying Simplified Chinese. Heavy names; use one-episode reader.
If you want to look into the source tradition, start with Project Gutenberg.
If you want to keep going, browse more in our Simplified Chinese section and review the HSK Level 1 Chinese Vocabulary. After that, try Essential Chinese Grammar Words for another useful next step.
More Simplified Chinese to explore
Learn Chinese with ‘Waiting by a Tree Stump’: A1 Beginner Story, Audio & Lesson
The Battle of Red Cliffs: B1 Intermediate Simplified Chinese Story with Audio
Nezha Conquers the Dragon King – An A2 Elementary Chinese Graded Reader with Audio & Word Help
