The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Fengdu Ghost City was the air—heavy, almost suffocating, as if the weight of centuries of souls lingered there. Perched on the slopes of Ming Mountain in Chongqing, China, this ancient city is known as the ‘City of Ghosts,’ a place where the living can catch a glimpse of the afterlife. My curiosity had brought me here, but as I stepped onto the winding pathways, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched.
Source: Visit China Blog
The legend of Fengdu begins with two Taoist practitioners from the Han Dynasty, Yin Changsheng and Wang Fangping. They achieved immortality, and their combined surnames, ‘Yin’ and ‘Wang,’ are said to represent Yama, the King of Hell. This eerie connection is the foundation of Fengdu Ghost City, a place where souls are judged and punished for their earthly sins. As I walked deeper into the city, the statues seemed to come alive, their stone eyes following my every move.
Source: The Little House of Horrors
The first test was the Bridge of Helplessness, a narrow, ancient stone structure that symbolized the fragility of life. The murky waters below whispered warnings as I stepped onto the bridge. My heart pounded with every step, and I felt an overwhelming sense of dread. It was as if the bridge itself was testing my resolve, my purity. I barely made it across, my legs trembling beneath me.
Source: Sights and Culture
Next, I faced Yama, the King of Hell. His towering statue loomed over me, its piercing gaze seemingly alive. I froze, paralyzed by an intense fear I had never felt before. The air grew colder, and I could almost hear his voice echoing in my mind, judging me. I quickly moved on, unable to bear the weight of his stare.
The final test was the Stone of Balancing, a precarious rock where visitors must stand on one leg for three minutes. As I struggled to maintain my balance, my thoughts turned to my own life—my choices, my mistakes. The stone seemed to wobble more with every second, as if it could sense my inner turmoil. When I finally stepped down, I felt a strange mix of relief and unease.
I explored the Tianzi Palace next, the largest temple in Fengdu. Its intricate sculptures depicted the tortures of the underworld, each one more chilling than the last. The ‘Ghost Torture Devices’ were particularly horrifying, their macabre designs serving as stark reminders of the consequences of immoral behavior. As I walked through the temple, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t alone. Shadows seemed to move on their own, and an unexplained noise echoed through the halls.
Source: Ice Festival Harbin
Suddenly, I felt an unseen presence behind me. I turned, but there was nothing there. My heart raced as I quickened my pace, desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere. The city felt alive, as if it were testing me, pushing me to my limits. When I finally made it out, I took a deep breath, grateful to be back among the living.
Leaving Fengdu Ghost City, I couldn’t help but reflect on the lessons I had learned. The experience had left a lasting impression, a reminder of the importance of kindness and moral integrity. Fengdu is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a journey into the unknown, a place where the living can confront the mysteries of the afterlife.
Only the pure may pass—are you ready to face the challenges of the afterlife?
Horror Level:
4 / 5
References:
Ghost Town Fengdu – Bridge of Helplessness – link
Fengdu: Ghost City – link
The Bridge of Helplessness – Fengdu Ghost City Photos – link
Entering the Ghost City – link
Categories: Ghost Stories, Haunted Places, Mythology, Travel
Tags: Afterlife, Chinese Mythology, Fengdu Ghost City, ghost stories, Haunted Places
Religion: Taoism
Country of Origin: China
Topic: Ghost Stories
Ethnicity: Chinese
