Dress Hauntingly: Chinese Characters To Turn Into for Halloween

For all the extra and fashion people out there, your favorite season is fast approaching. You heard that right, the spooky season is just around the corner! In 2024, it is time to step out of your comfort zones and dress up in the most unique costumes you could think of. 

Whether you are Chinese or not, surely, you have heard of the many Chinese characters that one could dress up as for parties – perhaps, you have also once thought about a Chinese-inspired costume for yourself. 

But, if you want something new to make you stand in the crowd of Halloween costumes, here is a list of Chinese characters you could turn yourself into for your next costume party!

Jiao Ren

For as long as people have been dressing up for Halloween, merfolk have always been present in the list of most popular costume ideas; however, the most frequently seen merfolk costumes are those that subscribe to the Western depictions of the aquatic mythical creatures. 

Not a lot of people know that the concept of humanoid beings living underwater is a universal staple in historical literature, in fact, there are many different forms of merfolk in Chinese literature as well!

Jiaoren (鲛人) are mythical creatures that were mentioned in multiple Chinese books, such as Shan Hai Jing (山海经) or the Classic of Mountain and Sea, Sou Shen Ji (搜神记) or In Search of the Supernatural, and Hai Cuo Tu (海错图) or Pictures of Marine Varieties. 

The jiaoren are most known for weaving extraordinary fabric called the “Dragon Yarn”. These special pieces of cloth that they make are said to be white as snow and waterproof. Moreover, these mythical creatures are also known for how their tears turn into pearls when they cry. Jiaoren are made to symbolize purity, beauty, and marine life conservation.

There are many variations as to how Chinese merfolk look, in some stories, they are said to have black skin, yellow hair, human eyes, and webbed hands and feet; however, the more commonly known depiction is that they have beautiful elf-like humanoid figures for the upper-half of their bodies and mesmerizing shiny scales on their long tails for the lower-half. 

Madame White Snake

Bai Suzhen (白素贞), also known as Madame White Snake is one of the most iconic female characters in Chinese folklore. Her story, rooted in the Legend of the White Snake, tells of a powerful white snake spirit who transforms into a woman and falls in love with a human, Xu Xian (许仙). 

The legend has become inspiration to many operas, books, films, and television shows. In most versions of the story, Bai Suzhen is imprisoned under the Leifeng Pagoda after a Buddhist monk had exposed her as a white snake to Xu Xian. She is often made to symbolize true love for continuing to love Xu Xian and for risking her life for him. 

Bai Suzhen is often depicted as a beautiful pale woman white long dark hair wearing a white Hanfu (汉服). Sometimes, she can be seen being half-snake, with her upper half being her human torso and her lower half being a snake. But, for most people who opt to dress up as Madame White Snake, they simply add hints of a white snake into their costumes, sometimes even carrying a toy of a white snake. 

Additionally, if you have a friend who would like to be on-theme with you, one of you could dress up as Xiaoqing (小青), the constant companion of Bai Suzhen in all versions of the story. Xiaoqing is a green snake spirit who symbolizes loyalty and friendship as she serves as not only a friend, but also a savior to her sworn sister, Bai Suzhen. 

Xiaoqing is often seen looking very similar to Bai Suzhen except that she wears a predominantly green outfit instead. 

Zheng Yi Sao

Taking a break from fictional characters, if you’d like to embody a famous historical figure instead, then Zheng Yi Sao (郑一嫂) is the perfect choice. When one thinks of pirates, the mind usually goes to big burly men with large beards, but not many know that the female pirate Zheng Yi Sao is considered one of the most (if not the most) successful pirates in history.

 

Born in Xinhui, Guangdong, the young Shi Yang (石阳) married into a family of pirates. Her husband, Zheng Yi (郑一) was known as one of the most fearsome pirates at the time. After his death, Shi Yang took over his position as captain of the monstrous fleet and renamed herself Zheng Yi Sao. She then goes on to become one of the most feared and respected captains of all time, trumping China’s own naval fleet as well as many powerful foreign fleets. Her story of cunning, strategy, and resilience has made her an enduring symbol of strength and rebellion.

Of course, considering that Zheng Yi Sao is a real historical figure who was considered a criminal, this list will only pertain to fictional characters who were inspired by the notorious pirate. 

In the popular Disney franchise Pirates of the Caribbean, the queen of pirates was shown in the later stages of her rule of the seas. Named Mistress Ching, she was depicted as an older woman with a painted face. She wears a robe with images of dragons and ocean waves. 

Combining traditional pirate aesthetics with elements of Chinese culture, the Zheng Yi Sao costume offers a unique and empowering option for Halloween celebrations. A good interpretation of this unique blend can be seen in the popular British series Our Flag Means Death. In this depiction of the pirate, Zheng Yi Sao is seen as a young woman with her hair tied up in two pigtails. She wears a richly detailed ensemble that includes a long, flowing robe in deep reds and golds, symbolizing power and wealth. The fabric is often embroidered with intricate designs, adding a sense of luxury and authority to her look. Zheng Yi Sao’s costume also features practical, pirate-like elements, such as a wide belt or sash that cinches her waist and wielding weapons such as daggers. 

Bull Demon King

Journey to the West, one of the four classics of ancient China, has a huge cast of peculiar characters that one could dress up as for the haunted season. The Bull Demon King (牛魔王) is one of the most memorable and fearsome characters from the classic Chinese novel. 

As a powerful demon and rival to the story’s hero, Sun Wukong (孙悟空) or the Monkey King, he embodies strength, rebellion, and dominance. His imposing figure and iconic horned appearance make him an excellent choice for a Halloween costume, especially for those looking to channel a strong, mythical character from Chinese folklore.

A Bull Demon King costume would typically look very imposing. Bull horns are a must while his attire could include a combination of armor and traditional Chinese garments, often in bold colors like red, black, and gold to symbolize power and aggression. Details like fur accents, a bull-like snout, and menacing eyes can enhance the monstrous aspect of the costume, while a large weapon, such as his signature mace or halberd, completes the look. With this costume, wearers can stand out as a legendary villain from one of China’s most celebrated stories.

Xing Tian

When exploring unique Chinese mythological characters to dress up as for Halloween, Xing Tian (刑天) stands out as an intriguing and fearsome figure. Known as the headless warrior of Chinese mythology, Xing Tian is a symbol of resilience and defiance. After losing his head in a battle against the supreme deity, the Yellow Emperor, the giant Xing Tian did not succumb to defeat. Instead, he transformed, using his chest as eyes and his navel as a mouth.

This eerie transformation makes Xing Tian a perfect choice for a Halloween costume. dressing as Xing Tian offers a unique blend of horror and cultural depth—perfect for those who want to make a bold and unforgettable statement. The costume can involve creative elements, such as using body paint or prosthetics to replicate his unsettling, headless appearance, alongside traditional Chinese warrior garb. Printing a face on a shirt and hiding one’s head may also be an alternative option to dressing up as Xing Tian. 

Xing Tian’s myth is not as widely known, making it a costume that stands out among typical Halloween characters while paying homage to ancient Chinese legends.

These five iconic Chinese characters—whether mythical, historical, or legendary—offer a rich and captivating array of Halloween costume possibilities. From the fierce and unyielding Xing Tian, to the beautiful and mesmerizing Jiao Ren, and of course, the greatest pirate in history Zheng Yi Sao, each character brings its own depth of personality, symbolism, and storytelling. Dressing up as one of these figures not only adds a creative flair to your Halloween, but also allows you to explore and celebrate the profound myths and history of Chinese culture. Whether you’re aiming for a costume that inspires awe, invokes ancient heroism, or taps into the supernatural, these figures ensure that your Halloween will be unforgettable and steeped in cultural richness.