Jiangshi, also known as Chinese “hopping” zombies, are a type of undead creature from Chinese folklore. They are reanimated corpses that move by hopping with their arms outstretched in front of them. Jiangshi are said to be created when a person’s spirit fails to leave their body after death, typically due to improper burial rites or unfinished business. They are often depicted as having pale skin, long fingernails, and wearing traditional Han clothing.
In Chinese mythology, Jiangshi are known for their fear-inducing abilities and their insatiable hunger for qi, or life energy. They are said to drain the life force from the living in order to sustain themselves. In popular culture, Jiangshi have become a staple in Chinese vampire films and television shows, often portrayed as comical and clumsy creatures that terrorize villagers.
Despite their supernatural origins, Jiangshi have also been used as allegorical symbols in Chinese literature and art to represent the dangers of greed, corruption, and unchecked power. Their menacing appearance and unnatural movements have captivated audiences for centuries, solidifying their place in Chinese folklore as one of the most iconic monsters in Asian horror traditions.
Image by Ai Junkie
