Fengdu Ghost City is located 168km from Chongqing, featuring a striking array of monasteries, temples, and shrines perched along the riverbanks. Central to this architectural ensemble is the mythic temple of the underworld, serving as a poignant representation of afterlife beliefs for visitors.
Legend has it that Fengdu acquired its moniker of "Ghost City" during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 A.D.). The tale recounts the spiritual journey of two imperial officials, Yin Changsheng and Wang Fangping, who ascended Ming Mountain to pursue Taoist practices, ultimately attaining immortality. The amalgamation of their names, Yinwang, symbolizing the "King of Hell," marked the inception of the site's association with the netherworld. Within the temples and shrines, intricate paintings and sculptures vividly depict scenes of souls undergoing torment for their transgressions.
Tianzi Palace, reputed to be the abode of Yama, the King of Hell, stands as the grandest, most ancient, and impeccably preserved edifice within the complex. Notably, the colossal visage of "Yama" etched into the hillside holds the prestigious title of the largest rock-carved sculpture in the Guinness World Records.
Constructed from the depths of human imagination, Fengdu Ghost City encompasses the Palace of Hell, Gate of Hell, 18 Layers of Hell, and various other realms of the Nether World, each adorned with a diverse array of ghostly statues and instruments of punishment, collectively evoking a sense of eerie fascination.
Embarking from the wharf in the modern city of Fengdu County, visitors can swiftly reach the renowned Ghost City within a mere 5-minute boat ride.
A monumental statue of the King of Hell commands attention atop Mingshan Mountain, captivating arriving visitors with its imposing presence. Notably, the residents of Fengdu do not harbor beliefs in ghosts; rather, they employ ghostly imagery as a metaphorical lens through which to explore and enrich their daily lives. During the Spirit Festival, locals gather with family to pay homage to their ancestors through communal meals and remembrance rituals.
In the past, vendors within designated business zones would don ancient attire during temple fairs, engaging patrons in a playful ritual involving water-filled baskets and paper money, a custom designed to discern between humans and spirits based on the currency's buoyancy. Visitors would partake in these traditional practices, immersing themselves in the cultural tapestry of ghostly folklore.
Nestled amidst the mountainous terrain, Fengdu Ghost City's architectural ensemble forms the visage of the King of Hell, imbuing the surroundings with an aura of macabre mystique.
Exploring the Ghost City by night offers a wholly distinct experience. The ethereal guardians Black and White Impermanence, pivotal figures in Chinese folk religion tasked with guiding departed souls to the Underworld, greet visitors at the entrance. Along the ascent to the mountain peak, actors and actresses engage with guests, while 3D holographic projections heighten the eerie ambiance. For those easily spooked, it is advisable to venture with companions, refraining from physical contact with performers even in moments of fright.
Mingshan Mountain exudes a tranquil beauty under the cloak of night, affording tourists panoramic views of ancient structures and the cityscape below. In unison, Mingshan Mountain and the millennia-old Ghost City serve as beacons of virtue, channeling narratives of benevolence and compassion amidst the backdrop of age-old legends, encouraging all to embrace kindness and goodwill.
