What is placed in the orifices of Chinese people to ward off evil spirits?

The correct answer is jade stones, which have significant cultural and historical importance in Chinese traditions. Jade is considered a symbol of purity, moral integrity, and good luck. In many East Asian cultures, it is believed that jade possesses protective qualities and can ward off evil spirits. Using jade stones in orifices, such as those found in burial practices or other traditional rituals, reflects the cultural significance of jade as a guardian against malignant forces.

In contrast, while coins, herbs, and wooden talismans may also feature in various cultural practices, they do not hold the same pervasive and specific significance in Chinese spiritual beliefs related to protection from evil spirits as jade does. Coins might be used for wealth or prosperity, herbs for medicinal purposes, and wooden talismans could serve protective roles but are not traditionally associated with the practice of placing them in orifices as jade is.