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Jiangshi
Chinese hopping vampires cannot walk—rigor mortis locks their joints. They hop toward victims with arms outstretched, draining life force. Taoist priests must be called to stop them with spells and yellow paper.
Ancient - Present
China
50000+ witnesses
The Jiangshi is China’s terrifying hopping vampire.
The Legend
According to Chinese folklore:
Jiangshi means:
- “Stiff corpse”
- Reanimated body
- Cannot bend joints
- Must hop to move
- Drains life force
Origins
They are created by:
- Improper burial
- Soul not departing
- Struck by lightning
- Spirit possession
- Dark magic
Appearance
Described as:
- Dressed in Qing dynasty clothing
- Arms outstretched
- Greenish skin
- Long fingernails
- Hops toward victims
Behavior
They hunt by:
- Detecting breath
- Moving toward living
- Draining qi (life force)
- Active at night
- Returning to coffin at dawn
Protection
Traditional defenses:
- Hold your breath
- Mirrors repel them
- Glutinous rice
- Peachwood sword
- Yellow paper talismans
The Taoist Priest
To defeat jiangshi:
- Priest writes spell on paper
- Places on forehead
- Corpse becomes still
- Rituals performed
- Permanent rest achieved
Modern Culture
Still relevant:
- Popular in films
- Featured in games
- Cultural icon
- Folklore persists
- Not forgotten