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Huli jing(狐狸精)

📍 Kunlun Mountains, China Legendary Creature ~200 BC
Huli jing(狐狸精)

Huli jing (Chinese: 狐狸精) are fox spirits in Chinese mythology known for their ability to shapeshift. They can be either kind or dangerous, depending on the tale. These spirits appear in many forms, each with its own traits and significance, including the huxian ("fox immortal"), hushen ("fox god"), husheng ("fox saint"), huwang ("fox king"), huyao ("fox demon"), huzu ("fox clan"), and the famous jiuweihu ("nine-tailed fox").

Fox spirits and especially nine-tailed foxes are common figures in Chinese myths, stories, and folk traditions. Sometimes they bring fortune or wisdom; other times, they are seen as tricksters or omens of misfortune. The concept of the nine-tailed fox later spread to other East Asian cultures, influencing Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese folklore.