Stunning murals uncovered in Ming Dynasty tomb.Wang Cong'er: A Famous Female Warrior and Leader in the White Lotus Society.Corpses that have been struck by a bolt of lightning or hopped over by an animal (particularly cats) are also said to turn into this undead creature. Another supposed way of a corpse turning into a jiang shi is that it fails to decompose even after burial. For instance, if a burial was postponed after death, a dead body may become restless, and return to haunt the living. Such deaths cause the soul to be unable to leave the body, thus resulting in a reanimated corpse.Īnother belief is that a corpse may become a jiang shi if it is not given a proper burial. For instance, according to one version of the myth, a jiang shi is created when a person suffers a violent death, for instance, suicide, hanging or drowning. There are apparently many ways for a dead body to turn into a jiang shi. ( The Paranormal Corner ) How a Jiang Shi is Created
In some versions of the story, jiang shi are said to be able to grow stronger, thus allowing them to acquire skills such as flying and transforming into wolves.Ī Chinese vampire.
Yet others have been depicted with sharp teeth, long nails, and emitting a green phosphorescent glow. For example, some of these beings look like normal humans, while others are a little more decomposed as a result of being dead for a longer period of time. While most jiang shi share the same type of attire, bodily posture, and mode of movement, variations also exist among these creatures. These undead creatures appear in quite a number of Chinese films. As a result of the stiffness in their bodies, there are many ways to turn a corpse into a jiang shi, and as many ways to defeat them. The arms of these creatures are permanently outstretched, apparently due to rigor mortis, and they hop, rather than walk. Additionally, the jiang shi is recognizable by its posture and movement. These creatures may be identified by their attire – the uniform of a Qing Dynasty official. Although its Chinese name is often translated as ‘Chinese hopping vampire / zombie / ghost), its literal meaning is ‘stiff corpse’. The Hopping Vampires (jiang shi) are a type of undead creature found in Chinese folklore.