Jiuwei Hu, also called Huli jing (fox spirits) in Chinese, is a monster in Chinese Mythology. It is a fox-like monster with four legs and nine tails and its whole body was covered with fiery hair.

Jiuwei Hu was first mentioned in the ancient literature of Shan Hai Jing. According to the book, it was originally viewed as a totem of some primitive tribes in Qing Qiu (an ancient place). Its image was widely accepted in Eastern Han Dynasty (25~220). Later, during the period of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368~1911), Jiuwei Hu’s was usually depicted as female, especially the beautiful women.

There are many stories about Huli jing. One story goes that a fox grow an additional tail for every a hundred years. During that time, it has to eat 10 hearts of human beings. When it has nine tails, it will have the ability to take human form. In some stories, they are good at imitating the cries of babies to arouse people’s attention and then seized the opportunity to eat human beings. However, the popular scenes are the beautiful Huli jing seducing men or performing despicable acts. In Chinese culture, the word of Huli jing is always used to describe a temptress of questionable morals.