Hsien-Ko, a jiangshi in the ''Darkstalkers'' series.
The Jiang Shi (known as Geong Si in Cantonese, Kyonshi in Japanese, Gangshi in Korean and Kuang Shi in some accounts) are a unique figure in Asian folklore, often described as "hopping vampires." These creatures are said to arise from demonic possession of a corpse, leaving them neither alive nor truly dead. Unlike Western vampires, Jiang Shi lack will or thought, resembling Haitian zombies in their mindless state. Over time, they are believed to gain supernatural abilities, including the power to fly.
According to legend, the jiangshi rests in a coffin or hides in dark places such as caves during daytime. At night, it moves around by hopping, with its arms outstretched. It kills living creatures to absorb their chi (life essence).
Historical and Cultural Context
Jiang Shi legends are deeply rooted in Chinese spiritual traditions. In rural China before the Civil War and World War II, it was believed the dead needed to return to their ancestral villages to rest properly. For families unable to afford elaborate burial arrangements, Taoist priests or mediums were hired to transport the deceased back home. These priests used spells and rituals to animate the corpses, guiding them along rural roads—a practice akin to an “underground railway” for the dead.
The spells used in these rituals were often written on red paper known as Dzi Dzat. This paper was also commonly burned during festivals alongside bamboo and paper replicas of mansions, food, boats, and other goods to provide comfort to the spirits in the afterlife. In some accounts, a specific spell was attached to the forehead of a Jiang Shi, acting as both a means of animation and control—a detail that modern films often dramatize.
Modern Interpretations
Contemporary Asian media has reimagined Jiang Shi as minions of evil Taoist priests, used to terrorize heroes in films. These portrayals often emphasize their label-bearing foreheads and hopping movements, making them visually distinctive and recognizable. However, these depictions diverge from traditional beliefs, which often emphasized their connection to ancestral and spiritual practices.
Mythical Significance
Despite evolving interpretations, the Jiang Shi remains a compelling figure in Asian mythology. Their stories bridge ancient spiritual practices and modern pop culture, maintaining their status as one of Asia’s most iconic and enduring supernatural beings.
See also
External links
- Jiangshi - Wikipedia