In the rich tapestry of Eastern folklore, the introduction of Chinese Yokai, known as Yaoguai(妖怪), weaves a distinct narrative when compared to their Japanese counterparts, the Yokai. While sharing a semblance in their supernatural essence, these entities diverge in several intriguing facets.
Linguistically, the disparity lies in the terms themselves: “Yokai” denotes an enigmatic apparition in Japan, while “Yaoguai” embodies an enticing demon in China.
Visually, the contrast is stark; Japanese Yokai exhibit whimsical, often cartoonish forms, while Chinese Yaoguai adopt a more somber, realistic guise and are often associated with human possession. Culturally, Yokai are entrenched in Japanese society, familiar to many, while Yaoguai’s presence remains less widespread beyond China’s borders.
Moreover, their roles diverge; Yokai lean towards mischievousness but benign intent, even offering protection, whereas Yaoguai are perceived as malevolent, posing threats to human safety.
Within these distinctions lies a tapestry of supernatural lore, highlighting the nuanced variations between these captivating entities in their respective cultural landscapes.
Chenhuang(乘黃/飛黃)is a mythical creature in ancient Chinese mythology. According to the Classic of Mountains and Seas(山海經), it looks like a fox, has a horn on its back, and is yellow in color. The person who rides it will live for 2,000 years longer.
白民之国有乘黄，长得像狐，背上有角，毛色是黄的，乘者增寿二千岁
During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng(雍正), a wealthy man in the capital arranged a marriage for his son. The bride’s family was also from a prestigious background, residing outside the Shahe Gate(沙河門).
As the bride rode in the bridal carriage, attendants and horses surrounded it. Passing by an ancient tomb, a fierce wind suddenly rose from the grave, swirling around the bridal carriage multiple times. The gusts of sand it raised made it impossible to keep one’s eyes open, causing pedestrians on the road to scatter.
The story is about a clever and smart fox bride named Little Cui, who repays a debt of gratitude to her benefactor, turns danger into safety and changes the fate of his son.
Compelled by a millennium-old demon, the female ghost Nie Xiaoqian harms people through seduction. Admiring the impoverished scholar Ning Caichen’s true virtue, she refrains from causing harm and follows him home.
This story tells how the fox spirit, Hongyu, aided the impoverished scholar Feng Xiangru, after a tragedy struck his family. She helped him raise their children and restore the family’s fortune.
In the prefecture of Hejian(河間府), there was a man surnamed Ding who neglected his proper duties, spending his days idling around. One time, Ding heard of a fox spirit causing mischief somewhere and decided to seek it out alone. He handed over his business card, expressing a desire to become sworn brothers with the fox immortal. That very night, the fox immortal indeed transformed into a human form and introduced himself as Brother Wu Qing.
In the capital, there was a man named Ye(葉某), who was very close to Wang Si(王四) from Yizhou(易州). On the seventh day of the seventh month, it was Wang Si’s sixtieth birthday. Ye rode a donkey to wish him well. When he reached Fangshan County(房山), it was already dark. Suddenly, a tall man on horseback approached him and asked where he was headed. Ye truthfully told him his destination. The man was delighted and said, ‘Wang Si is my cousin; I am also heading there.
Scholar Jiang(蔣生) traveled to Henan(河南) and passed through Gong County(鞏縣), intending to stay overnight. The guest room in the western building of the inn where he planned to lodge was impeccably clean, which Jiang liked, so he decided to move his luggage there. The innkeeper chuckled and said, ‘Sir, are you brave? This western building is not safe.’ Jiang replied, ‘As the wise Yang Jiaoshan(楊椒山) said, every person has their courage.
Guandong(關東) resident Xu Shangen(許善根) made a living by digging for ginseng roots(人參). According to the custom, ginseng diggers had to go up the mountains to dig only when it was late and quiet. One day, exhausted from traveling at night, Xu Shangen fell asleep on the sandy ground. When he woke up, he found himself being held by a hairy man. This hairy man stood about twenty feet tall, covered all over with red hair.
General Zhao Liangdong(趙良棟)’s son, posthumously named Xiangmin(襄敏公), held the position of Governor of Baoding(保定).
One night, Xiangmin was studying in the west tower with all doors and windows closed. Suddenly, a flat-shaped entity squeezed through the window crack and entered the room. It rubbed itself from head to toe, gradually transforming into a complete form. Wearing a square scarf and red boots, dressed like a scholar, it bowed deeply to Xiangmin, clasping its hands, and said, ‘I am a fox immortal scholar living in this tower for a hundred years, fortunate to have received the permission of the esteemed lords, leading a peaceful existence.
Master Ye Fashan(葉法善) was skilled in talismanic magic. The Emperor honored him several times as a Hongluqing(鴻臚卿), bestowing upon him lavish rewards and special treatment.
Ye Fashan resided in the Xuanzhen Temple(玄真觀), often hosting a dozen or more courtiers who would come to the temple, loosen their belts, and stay without intending to leave. The seats would be occupied, and they’d desire wine to drink.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door, claiming to be Qu Xiucai.
