Yunxiao Xianzi (Chinese: 云霄仙子; lit. 'the Cloud Firmament Celestial Maiden'), also known as Zhao Yunxiao, is a character in the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi. She is worshipped as a goddess of childbirth in Chinese folk religion.^[1] She is the oldest of the Sanxiao Shengmu (Holy mothers of three skies, 三霄聖母) or Sanxiao Niangniang (Ladies of three stars, 三霄娘娘).^[2][3][4]

According to Fengshen Yanyi, she is one of the first-generation disciples of the Jie Sect, apprenticed to Tongtian Jiaozhu. Among the Three Celestial Maidens, she is the eldest and is renowned for her kindness. Among the disciples of both the Chan and Jie sects, she stands out as the one with the deepest cultivation and the greatest power, having reached a quasi-saint level. Even Randeng Daoren, the high Immortal of the Chan Sect, dares not provoke her. Her Nine Bends Yellow River Formation is immensely powerful, necessitating the combined efforts of Moral Heavenly Venerable and Primordial Heavenly Venerable to disassemble. She leads a peaceful life, with her divine mount being the Qingluan bird, and possesses formidable treasures, including the Hunyuan Gold Gourd (混元金斗) and the Golden Dragon Scissors (金蛟剪). She had already attained the enlightenment of Dao before the creation of heaven and earth. Assuming human form on Sanxian Island, she resided there with her two sisters, Qiongxiao and Bixiao, for spiritual cultivation. Their senior brother was Zhao Gongming of Mount Emei. Following her senior brother's death at the hands of Luya Daoren, she resolved to seek revenge and actively took part in the war, aiding the Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong.

The three sisters, accompanied by their fellow disciples, Caiyun Fairy and Hanzhi Fairy, engaged in an intense battle against the disciples of the Chan Sect. They set up the Grand Nine-Curves Yellow River Formation^{[note 1]} (九曲黄河阵), capturing Yang Jian, Jinzha, and Muzha.^[5] They also subdued the Twelve Golden Immortals and Luya Daoren, using the Grand Nine-Curves Yellow River Formation to weaken their cultivation, which had been accumulated over a thousand years. Observing that no one within the Chan Sect could vanquish Sanxiao, both Yuanshi Tianzun and Laozi came down to help their disciples and successfully dismantled the Grand Nine-Curves Yellow River Formation. Subsequently, the sisters met their demise at the hands of Yuanshi Tianzun and Laozi. She was pressed to death beneath the Qiankun Diagram (乾坤图), which was activated by Laozi's Yellow Turban Warriors (黄巾力士). In the end, the sisters were collectively honored with the divine title of "Ganying Sui Shi Xiangu" (感应随世仙姑, lit. 'Sensitivity and Harmony Celestial Ladies') by Jiang Ziya. Together, the three sisters are known to the world as the "Three Celestial Maidens" or "Sanxiao Niangniang". They are revered both as goddesses of fertility and for their role in overseeing ailments such as smallpox and childhood diseases.^[6]

In legend, during the Yuan Dynasty, a man named Zhang Yuanwai lived in the area of Changchun Temple in Anyang. He was married to a woman named Nie, and both of them were known for their benevolence, charity, and devoutness in practicing fasting and meditation. They generously donated money to construct temples, build bridges and roads, provide clothing and meals for those in need, offer financial assistance for medical care, and reduce rents, among other acts of kindness. They were renowned in the community and earned the title of Zhang Dashanren, meaning "Zhang, the Great Benefactor".^[7]

Despite their virtuous deeds, as they aged, Zhang and his wife remained childless. However, a significant event occurred when Zhang's wife took a nap one day. During her nap, she dreamed of a celestial maiden holding a baby girl. The celestial maiden conveyed to her that, despite their destined childlessness, their unwavering commitment to goodness and charity had deeply moved her. In response, she bestowed upon them a baby girl before disappearing. When Zhang's wife woke from her dream, she shared this extraordinary experience with her husband. Zhang believed that their strong desire for a child had manifested in this dream.^[7]

Approximately one month later, Zhang's wife fell ill and sought the counsel of a physician, who astonishingly informed them that she was six months pregnant. Both husband and wife were overjoyed. Ten months later, Zhang's wife gave birth to a baby girl who bore a remarkable resemblance to the baby from her dream. The celestial maiden from her dream seemed akin to Sanxiao Niangniang. In gratitude for this blessing, Zhang promptly arranged for offerings to be made at Sanxiao Hall.^[7]

Over time, news of this extraordinary event spread, prompting many people, particularly those with questionable intentions and poor reputations, to turn to the Three Celestial Maidens, praying for children. However, their pleas went unanswered. This led to the belief that the Three Celestial Maidens only assisted those who were genuinely benevolent, refusing to aid individuals with power and wealth who engaged in wicked deeds.^[7]

Mount Emei is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and serves as the practice ground for Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. It is primarily devoted to the veneration of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and boasts approximately 26 temples, with eight major ones being particularly significant, ensuring a vibrant Buddhist presence. On Mount Emei stands the Sanxiao Cave, which was once a Taoist sanctuary dedicated to the Sanxiao Niangniang. However, a mysterious incident occurred there in 1937, tragically claiming the lives of 72 individuals. This incident is known as the Sanxiaodong Massacre.^[8]

In autumn 1937, during the celebration of Monk Yankong's appointment as the Sanxiao Cave's abbot, a group of devoted followers gathered to donate and cast a large bronze bell. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, they paid tribute to Sanxiao Niangniang with the "Three Celestial Formations on the Yellow River" drum dance. Despite Monk Yankong's warnings about maintaining tranquility in the Buddhist realm, the spirited crowd ignored his advice. Candles illuminated the cave as everyone sang and danced, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The sounds of singing, drumming, and bell ringing filled the air as the cave sparkled with lights and wafted with smoke. Suddenly, a huge explosion engulfed the cave in darkness, and then a thick, yellow flame that resembled a fire dragon erupted from the depths, killing 76 people on the spot. The news reached the two counties of Emei and Fushun, prompting both county officials to swiftly investigate the Sanxiao Cave. Unfortunately, their efforts yielded no conclusive results. Subsequently, they decided to close the Sanxiao Cave and interred the remains of the 76 victims outside the cave. Additionally, they dismantled the Sanxiao Empress temple located nearby and imposed a ban on tourist visits to the area. During this period, Chengdu's Xinxin News Weekly even published a shocking article titled "The Massacre at Sanxiao Cave in Mount Emei: Empress Sanxiao Appeared as a Saint, More Than 70 People Lost Their Lives", reporting on this startling incident that shook the Sichuan region. The tragic incident at Sanxiao Cave has drawn the interest of numerous experts and scholars. In the late 1980s, Yi Ruilong, renowned as the "First Chinese Paraglider", conducted several on-site investigations to uncover the truth behind the Sanxiao Cave incident.^[9]

In Taiwan's folk religion, the three sisters are often merged into a singular deity known as Zhusheng Niangniang.^[2]

Inside the Sanxiao Hall at Changchun Temple in Anyang, the Three Celestial Maidens are enshrined. They are believed to wield control over the Hunyuan Gold Gourd, which, as it rotates, is thought to shape the destinies of all beings, regardless of their social standing or wealth. In bygone eras, individuals would beseech the Three Celestial Maidens for assistance with matters related to childbirth and fertility, bestowing upon them the widely recognized titles of "Goddesses of Fertility" or "Maternal Deities". The Three Celestial Maidens occupy a significant and revered position in Chinese folk belief, resulting in the creation of numerous legends and tales about them.^[10]

In Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, there exists a street known as Cai Shen Temple Street. Following the passing of Zhao Gongming, his spirit ascended to the Investiture of the Gods platform. Subsequently, Jiang Ziya conferred upon him the title of 'God of Wealth,' entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing matters related to wealth and prosperity throughout the land. The three sisters could never forget their affection for their senior brother. Consequently, they constructed a temple dedicated to the God of Wealth in a sunlit location at the base of Jieshi Mountain. This temple served to honor Zhao Gongming and express their profound love for him. Over time, people from various regions seeking good fortune and prosperity congregated in the vicinity of the God of Wealth temple. Gradually, this area evolved into a bustling street, now recognized as Cai Shen Temple Street in Changli City.