Tu'er Ye

Tu’er Ye, the Rabbit God, is a beloved symbol of Beijing’s Mid-Autumn Festival, instantly recognisable by its unique combination of a human body and a rabbit’s face. Its origins are deeply rooted in ancient Chinese moon worship, where the rabbit is closely linked to the Moon Goddess Chang’e and the legend of the jade rabbit living on the moon.

Traditionally, Tu’er Ye is crafted by hand from clay and painted in bright, festive colours, with each artisan adding their own distinctive touch, making every figurine one of a kind. The Rabbit God is often depicted wearing ornate armour and a general’s helmet, and in some versions, he is shown riding a tiger, elephant, or even a mythical beast. Historically, Tu’er Ye was believed to protect children from illness and disaster, especially during times of plague in Beijing, and was often placed in homes as a guardian figure. Interestingly, in the Qing dynasty, Tu’er Ye also became a secret symbol for gay men in Beijing, with dedicated shrines providing a rare safe space for same-sex couples to pray for love and happiness.

Over time, modern interpretations have introduced a female companion, Tu’er Nainai, reflecting changing social attitudes. Today, the craft of making Tu’er Ye is recognised as part of Beijing’s intangible cultural heritage, and the Rabbit God has enjoyed a modern revival, appearing in contemporary art, fashion, and as a popular souvenir, continuing to inspire both tradition and creativity.