Unlike zombies or vampires in Western films and television series, Chinese zombies, aka Jiāngshī (僵尸), are literally “stiff corpses” that have been dead for a very long time and don’t eat human flesh.
Due to their stiffness, they can’t walk, run, or bend their limbs. They hop around in traditional Chinese clothing called hànfú (汉服) and with both arms stretched out in front, killing living creatures to absorb life essence from their victims.
Jiāngshī do not suck blood like zombies or vampires. Since they are already dead, they don’t need any food. In fact, they suck the life out of the living, in the form of qì (气), to try to come back to life. This is why they go around sucking air out of people’s mouths and lungs. However, If they have a paper talisman attached onto their foreheads, they can’t hurt people.
Hopping Chinese Zombie!
There is never a shortage of fun Halloween events to take your kids to in Beijing. With so many events in town, it can be hard to choose one for the whole family. On Oct 31 (Thursday), Newman Tours invite everyone to join their unique Halloween Ghost Tour, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Not only can you and your family be spooked by scary Chinese ghosts, but you will also get to know some interesting stories about Jiāngshī in Beijing. You will find out answers to who hanged himself next to Emperor Chongzhen behind the Forbidden City, why the ghost of the tragic Bell Tower Lady is always saying thank you, and where you can find the haunted hutongs around Prince Gong’s Palace.
Beijing Halloween Ghost Tour, Oct 31
All ages. 6.30-8.30 pm. RMB 290 per person. Price Includes two-hour tour with native English speaking guide. Tours must be booked in advance. See this website for starting point and private tour pricing. Newman Tours. (0086 138-1777 0229, info@newmantours.com, www.newmantours.com)
Photos: sohu.com, Newmantours.com
