Shuǐ Guǐ (水鬼) is a vengeful spirit from China, also known as Suikidan in Japanese-influenced East Asian traditions, born from those who drowned and whose souls remain trapped near the site of their death. Unlike other ghosts, the water ghost seeks to drag living beings into the depths with it, hoping to find a replacement soul to free itself.
In Chinese spirituality, the drowning ghost represents an unresolved death, often tied to betrayal, injustice, or abandonment. These spirits are feared not only for their terrifying appearances but also for their ability to lure victims into watery graves. The legend has deep roots in folk beliefs, especially among riverine communities where drownings were frequent and unexplained.
Information:
- Name: Shuǐ Guǐ (水鬼)
- Gender: Can be male or female
- Age: Over 2,500 years, dating back to the Pre-Qin period (~5th century BCE).
- Abilities: Possessing water bodies, luring victims into drowning, appearing as illusions above water
- Weakness: Cannot leave the area of death until replaced by another soul
- Interests: Seeking revenge, haunting fishermen and swimmers, appearing during heavy rains or floods
Origin
The concept of Shuǐ Guǐ originates from ancient Chinese folk religion, particularly in southern provinces such as Guangdong, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Hubei, where rivers, lakes, and canals played central roles in daily life. According to tradition, anyone who drowns unjustly—especially if the body remains unrecovered or unburied—risks becoming a vengeful water spirit.
One famous tale tells of a man betrayed by his business partner and thrown into a river. Unable to move on due to lack of proper burial rites, he became a Shuǐ Guǐ, haunting the waters and pulling others into the depths. This story reflects the moral fear embedded in the myth: betrayal and disrespect for the dead will result in eternal unrest.
The belief was so strong that Taoist priests were often summoned to perform exorcisms, offering paper money, incense, and sacrificial food to appease the restless spirits.
Characteristics
A Shuǐ Guǐ typically appears as a pale, bloated figure with long black hair, dripping wet clothes, and eyes filled with sorrow and rage. It is often seen floating just above the surface of the water or hiding beneath reeds. Some witnesses describe hearing whispers or cries before experiencing sudden currents or unseen hands pulling them under.
Unlike other ghosts, the water ghost is bound to its place of death. Its main goal is to find a replacement soul—a living person to drown, thereby freeing itself from the curse. This makes it especially dangerous during flood season or after stormy weather, when the spirit’s power peaks.
The appearance of a Shuǐ Guǐ is often accompanied by unnatural stillness in the water, strange ripples, or eerie lights floating above the surface. Fishermen avoid areas where these signs appear, believing them to be warnings from the spirit world.
Cultural Significance
The legend of Shuǐ Guǐ plays a significant role in East Asian spiritual culture, influencing literature, film, and religious practices. In rural regions, elders warn children about swimming in isolated ponds or crossing unstable bridges at night. Families of the drowned often perform spiritual offerings to ensure the deceased do not become haunting water spirits.
This belief is reflected in modern media such as “Candle in the Tomb: Mu Ye Gui Shi” (2017) and “Shuigui Bride” (2024), where the water ghost mythology is used to explore themes of betrayal, justice, and the afterlife. Even in contemporary times, the image of the vengeful drowning spirit continues to haunt the imagination, symbolizing unresolved grief and the dangers of forgotten souls.
