Jiangshi
Jiangshi · The Chinese Hopping Corpse — A Stiff, Leaping Corpse-Spirit
A Chinese corpse-spirit, a body unburied after death that stiffens and reanimates. From rigor mortis it holds its arms forward, feet together, and hops to move. Clad in Qing-dynasty official robes, it drains the vital energy of the living and senses people by their breath. It is controlled and repelled by a Taoist priest's talismans and spells.
Origin
Derived from the 'corpse-driving' tradition, in which a Taoist priest woke a corpse with talismans to move the body of one who died away from home back to their hometown by night. Qing-era dress and jiangshi cinema fixed the modern hopping image.
Features
- Body stiff with rigor mortis, moves by hopping
- Qing official robes and outstretched arms
- Drains the vital energy (qi) of the living
- Senses people by their breath
Stories
Appears as a staple monster of Eastern horror confronting Taoist priests and the lead of comedy-action jiangshi films. A being that frames a duel against talismans and Taoist arts.
Weakness
Halted by a talisman placed on its forehead; undetected if one holds their breath. Weak to glutinous rice, peachwood, mirrors, and Taoist spells; stiff and slow to change direction.