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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.