Have you ever wondered what it looks like when the border between the living and the dead gets left wide open? In the small, historic Qijiang Ancient Town (郪江古镇) in Santai County, Sichuan, it looks like a scene straight out of a mythological fever dream.

Once a year, on the 28th day of the fifth lunar month, the local townspeople host an intangible cultural heritage parade that turns the streets into a “yin-yang border.” Emerging from dramatic clouds of yellow smoke, you’ll find locals fully decked out as the fearsome Judges of the Underworld, the mythical Ox-Head and Horse-Face, and the iconic Black and White Impermanence.

But the absolute star of the show? The terrifying “Chicken-Footed God” (鸡脚神). To ensure max creepiness, this deity dons a mask made of an actual fresh pig lung—yes, you read that right. According to local lore, the more utterly terrifying the god looks, the better they are at sending evil spirits packing.

Once the underworld entities have flexed their spooky muscles, the festival shifts its vibe. Vibrant dragon dances and colorful floats take over the streets, closing out the supernatural block party with a massive dose of fortune and good omens for the coming year. It’s the ultimate chaotic good energy we didn’t know we needed.

All imags via Xiaohongshu.