On a 1980s evening, the topmost clown-actor of the 20th century Sichuan opera, Qiu Fu passes away in an accident and half-unwillingly sets off for the Ghost City under the escort of two underworld officials. Along the way, he meets old friends. As they recall the past, a history of the living is conjured up.
In southwest China, the ancient legend of the Poison Cat circulates. Hunter Tai has been feeling increasingly uneasy lately as he inexplicably connects the eerie cries in the forest and the strange occurrences in the village with his wife’s unusual behaviour. The age-old way of life he knows seems to be crumbling, echoing the prophecy in the legend.
