The first film, directed by Ching Siu-tung, is based on a popular Chinese folklore about a young scholar named Nie Tian (played by Leslie Cheung) who falls in love with a ghost, Yan Chanyan (played by Joey Wong). The story takes place in the Qing dynasty. Nie Tian, while traveling, meets Yan Chanyan, who is a ghost that has been trapped between the world of the living and the dead. She was killed by a bandit on her wedding night. Moved by her tragic fate, Nie Tian helps Yan Chanyan find peace and together they thwart the plans of the evil bandit and his cohorts.

This installment leans heavily into Buddhist philosophy and visual spectacle. It is arguably the most visually polished of the trilogy, benefiting from the advancements in HK cinematography by 1991. Jacky Cheung holds his own, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai makes a memorable appearance as a cynical scholar. While it repeats many beats of the first film, it does so with enough style and emotional resonance to stand on its own.

, the series revitalized the ghost-story genre through innovative "pre-CGI" practical effects and wire-work. Key Features of the Trilogy The Original (1987): Inspired by the classic tale "Nie Xiaoqian" from Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio

: The iconic bathtub scene, Wu Ma’s memorable Taoist rap, and the ethereal, award-winning score by James Wong. Availability : A 4K restored version was released in 2025. A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990)

A human rebel who Ning initially mistakes for Xiaoqian.

Windy’s sister, who also becomes involved in the conflict. Culture Shock: A Chinese Ghost Story | Showroom Cinema