One day, while Houyi was away, Chang'e secretly swallowed the potion, hoping to become immortal. The result was unexpected: she felt herself becoming light, so light that she floated up involuntarily. Drifting through the air, she eventually reached the Moon Palace.
Later generations regard her as the Moon Goddess. This beautiful tale has long been cherished by the Chinese people and serves as a favorite allusion for poets and writers.
For instance, in a poem commemorating his martyred wife Yang Kaihui, Chairman Mao Zedong wrote these famous lines:
The lonely moon goddess spreads her ample sleeves
To dance for these loyal souls in infinite space.
In the original Chinese, the name "Chang'e" is used instead of "moon goddess."
The image of Chang'e—a beauty in the elegant garments of a bygone era, gracefully floating toward the moon—continues to provide endless inspiration for painters and sculptors.