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Jiangshi - Chinese Hopping Vampire
Reanimated corpses that hop with arms outstretched. They drain life force from the living. Paper talismans on their foreheads control them. The Jiangshi cannot rest.
Ancient - Present
China
1000+ witnesses
The Jiangshi is a reanimated corpse from Chinese folklore, often translated as “hopping vampire” or “Chinese vampire.”
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
Jiangshi:
- Are reanimated corpses
- Move by hopping
- Have stiff, outstretched arms
- Drain life force (qi) from living
- Are controlled by Taoist talismans
Origin
A corpse becomes Jiangshi through:
- Improper burial
- Not being buried at all
- Violent death
- Possession by spirits
- Soul not departing properly
Description
Jiangshi appear as:
- Corpses in various decay stages
- Qing Dynasty clothing typically
- Greenish-white skin
- Long, claw-like nails
- Stiff movement
Why They Hop
The hopping:
- Due to rigor mortis
- Legs stuck together
- Cannot walk normally
- Arms outstretched for balance
- Distinctive and terrifying
Protection
To stop a Jiangshi:
- Taoist talismans on forehead
- Hold breath (they find prey by breathing)
- Mirrors repel them
- Chicken blood
- Sticky rice
Cultural Impact
Jiangshi appear in:
- Many Hong Kong films
- Video games
- Modern Chinese horror
- International popular culture