Fengdu Ghost City

Location: No. 152, Mingshan Road, Mingshan Town, Fengdu County, Chongqing

Opening Hours: 07:30 - 17:20 (last entry at 17:20)

Reason to Visit: A popular sightseeing destination for Yangtze River cruise passengers.

Fengdu Ghost City, located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengdu County, downstream from Chongqing, is a popular sightseeing spot for Yangtze River cruise passengers. Known as the "Capital of Ghosts" and "Home of Chinese Divine Comedy," this scenic area is famous for its architecture and sculptures depicting the underworld.

Highlights of Fengdu Ghost City

The scenic area integrates architecture, sculptures, poetry, folklore, and drama, making it a comprehensive showcase of Eastern ghost and god culture. Key attractions include the Bridge of Helplessness (Naihe Bridge), Ghost Gate (Guimenguan), Road to Hades (Huangquan Road), Tianzi Palace, Eighteen Levels of Hell, Wangxiang Terrace, and Deer Temple (Luming Temple). Visitors can experience the charm of traditional culture and explore profound themes of human soul and mortality.

History and Legend

Fengdu's origin as a ghost city dates back to the Han Dynasty when two men, Yin Changsheng and Wang Fangping, were said to have achieved immortality on the site, ascending to heaven. Later, a myth developed that combined the names "Yin" and "Wang" into "Yinwang," meaning "King of the Underworld." This, along with the town’s renaming to "Fengdu" (which sounds similar to "hell" in Chinese mythology), solidified its reputation as the earthly residence of the King of Hell. Over nearly 2,000 years, the city has grown into a vivid representation of the Chinese underworld, filled with temples, statues, and monuments depicting scenes of hell and judgment.

What to See in Fengdu Ghost City

Ghost City Archway

The entrance to Fengdu Ghost City is marked by the imposing Ghost City Archway, adorned with intricate carvings and four large characters that translate to "Famous Mountain Under Heaven." This is the gateway to the mythical underworld, setting the tone for the eerie yet fascinating journey ahead.

Naihe Bridge

One of the most famous features is the Naihe Bridge, often associated with the legend of crossing into the underworld. In Chinese mythology, this bridge is where souls are judged before entering the afterlife. The bridge spans a pool known as the "Blood River," symbolizing the path souls must take to their final destination. Visitors are invited to cross the bridge themselves and contemplate their virtues and sins.

Guimen Pass (Gate of Hell)

This is considered the final checkpoint for souls entering the ghost realm. Traditionally, all souls must pass through Guimen Pass to face judgment. The area is filled with statues of judges, demons, and other figures that decide the fate of those who have passed away.

Eighteen Levels of Hell

A visit to the "Eighteen Levels of Hell" offers a glimpse into the consequences of various misdeeds, as depicted in Chinese mythology. Statues and carvings graphically depict different levels of punishment for sins, each corresponding to a specific crime, like lying, stealing, or disobeying elders. This vivid portrayal serves as a moral reminder to live a virtuous life.

Tianzi Palace

One of the oldest structures in Fengdu Ghost City, the Tianzi Palace dates back over 1,600 years. This Taoist temple is a center for worship and features statues of the Jade Emperor and various Taoist deities. It's also known as a place to contemplate human existence and the afterlife.

Other Notable Attractions

Other key sites include the Hall of Judgment, where the dead face trials before entering the afterlife, and the Memorial Hall, which features intricate sculptures depicting traditional Chinese myths. Statues of Ox-Headed and Horse-Faced Demons (legendary underworld guards) can be found throughout the city, as well as images of Yama, the King of Hell.

How to Tour Fengdu Ghost City

Touring Fengdu Ghost City is quite convenient. After entering the main gate, follow the signposted mountain path to explore the area. Along the way, you'll pass significant sites such as Humha Temple, the Naihe Bridge, the Ghost Gate, Huangquan Road, Yama Palace, and the Eighteen Levels of Hell.

Inside the Ghost City, you'll encounter statues of mythical figures like Ox-Head and Horse-Face, the Underworld Judge, and King Yama. The Eighteen Levels of Hell depict the traditional Chinese concept of karma, emphasizing the consequences of good and evil actions. These otherworldly locations reflect the Chinese cultural understanding of life, death, spirits, and the afterlife.

If you're interested, you can join a guided tour to hear stories and learn about ancient Chinese customs and taboos. This will provide a deeper understanding of the rich history and cultural beliefs associated with Fengdu Ghost City.

How to Get There

By Bus: Buses depart from Chongqing’s Siqian Comprehensive Transportation Hub every hour, taking about two hours to reach Fengdu. Once in Fengdu, take local bus No. 109 to the scenic area.

By Train: Take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Railway Station to Fengdu Dingzhuang Railway Station (about 1 hour). Transfer to local buses to reach Xie Nanxi Bus Station（斜南溪公交站）, then take bus No. 109 to the scenic area.

By Yangtze River Cruise: Many Yangtze River cruises stop at Fengdu Ghost City, with a six-hour journey from Chongqing to Fengdu. Upon docking at the Fengdu port, you’ll be right at the entrance to the site.