ZhuJian/諸犍

ZhuJian/諸犍 - Chinese Mythtical Beasst

In the mountains, there is a beast Zhujian(諸犍) that resembles a leopard. It has a long tail, a human head, cow ears, and only one eye. It often roars loudly. When it walks, it holds its tail in its mouth. When it sleeps, it curls its tail up.

《山海經 北山一經》

又北百八十裏,曰單張之山,其上無草木。有獸焉,其狀如豹而長尾,人首而牛耳,一目,名曰諸犍,善咤,行則銜其尾,居則蟠其尾。

The Ghost Pagoda

《搜山圖》蘇漢臣 南宋

In Hangzhou, there was an elderly man surnamed Qiu who was a cloth merchant. One day, Qiu went to collect debts and returned late. The inn was fully occupied, and ahead lay desolate areas with no place to stay. Qiu discussed with the innkeeper, who said, ‘Old friend, I wonder if you’re brave enough? I have a small building behind the back wall, but it’s been uninhabited for a long time. 

ShanHui/山[犭軍​]

ShanHui/山[犭軍​]: shaped like a dog with a human face,skilled in throwing objects and laughs when it sees people. It moves as fast as the wind. Whenever it appears, the world will be filled with strong winds.

Shanhui(山[犭軍​]) lives in the mountains. It’s shaped like a dog with a human face,skilled in throwing objects and laughs when it sees people. It moves as fast as the wind. Whenever it appears, the world will be filled with strong winds.

《山海經 北山一經》

又北二百裏,曰獄法之山。瀤澤之水出焉,而東北流註於泰澤。其中多䲃魚,其狀如鯉而雞足,食之已疣。有獸焉,其狀如犬而人面,善投,見人則笑,其名山[犭軍​(左右​)],其行如風,見則天下大風。

Kirin/Qilin/麒麟: Auspicious beast in Chinese mythology

The Kirin in Chinese mythology is not just a mythical beast but a symbol of all that is good and virtuous. Its enduring presence in Chinese culture highlights the deep-rooted appreciation and reverence for mystical creatures that embody positive qualities and the harmony between humanity and the natural world.

Borrowing a Coffin for a Carriage

《騎驢圖》 鐵舟 清

Zhang Yuangong(張元公) from Shaoxing(紹興) opened a cloth shop at the Chang Gate(閶門) in Suzhou and employed a helper named Sun, a Shaanxi native known for his honest and diligent nature. Sun managed business affairs that always garnered triple profits, fostering a close relationship with his employer. After three to five years, Sun accumulated a fortune of one hundred thousand guan for Zhang, repeatedly asking to return home. However, Zhang adamantly refused. 

The Garlic Seller

《江山小景圖》卷 李唐

In Nanyang County(南陽縣), there was a man named Yang, skilled in martial arts, capable of lifting grain boats with his shoulders. Hundreds of Green Banner soldiers escorted the grain boats, attempting to pierce him with bamboo poles. As the poles struck his body, they broke inch by inch. His fame spread because of this. Yang took his disciples to Changzhou(常州) to teach martial arts. Every time he went to the martial arts arena to teach spear and staff techniques, crowds gathered, forming a human wall. 

The Fox Immortal Hangs Itself

《薇亭小憩圖》趙大亨 宋

In the west of the Zhang family house on Jingling’s Judicial Street(金陵評事街), there were three study rooms rumored to house a hanging ghost. No one dared to live there; it remained securely locked. One day, a young scholar, dressed in fine attire, arrived seeking lodging at the Zhang household. The Zhang family, citing the lack of available rooms, refused him. The scholar, angered, said, ‘If you won’t lend me a room, I’ll stay on my own. 

Fox Demon in the Belly

《幽竹枯槎圖》卷 王庭筠

Li Yi(李鷁), the son of Minister Li Hefeng(李鶴峰), styled as Yishan(醫山), passed the imperial examination in the 26th year of Qianlong’s reign and was selected to join the Hanlin Academy(翰林). He excelled in poetry and literature, and had a fondness for the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism(宋儒理學).

One day, while Li Yi was studying under the lamp, two exceedingly beautiful women suddenly appeared to tempt him, but he paid them no attention. 

Ghost Expelling Ghost

《斗雀圖》 宋 佚名

In Tongcheng(桐城), there was a scholar named Zuo(左秀才) whose relationship with his wife, Zhang,(張氏) was exceptionally close. When Zhang fell ill and passed away, Zuo couldn’t bear to be separated from her. He spent every night sleeping beside her coffin. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, his family held a ceremony for the deceased, everyone praying and making offerings outside, leaving Zuo alone to read beside Zhang’s coffin.

Suddenly, a chilling wind arose, and a ghost, disheveled with blood dripping and dragging a rope, approached Zuo menacingly.