Fengdu Ghost City
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A very popular onshore excursion on Yangtze River Cruises, the Fengdu Ghost City is a temple dedicated to the local ghost culture. The temple complexes which make up the city are located on Ming Mountain. The ghost city combines Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucius religious symbolism. The ghost city got its name from two Imperial Court officials named; Yin Changsheng and Wang Fangping. They came to Ming Mountain to practice Daoism. They eventually became immortals. Their combined surnames, Yinwang, means "King of Hell" in Chinese. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a temple dedicated to teaching people what would happen to them if they went to hell. It shows, in miniature what tortures await evil-doers. According to Chinese tradition, the dead must undergo three tests to enter the netherworld. These tests are taken at three locations which are replicated in the ghost city, the Nothing to be Done Bridge, the Ghost Torturing Pass, and the Tianzi Palace.
Nothing to be Done Bridge
Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the bridge symbolizes the connection between the real world and the afterlife and is the first test. It tests good and evil. It is a set of three identical bridges. It is said that virtuous people can cross the center bridge without problem, while evil people fall into the water below. The left and right bridges are called the Golden and Silver Bridges respectively. They are used to leave and it is said that crossing over these bridges will bring wealth.
Ghost Torturing Pass
The second test, the Ghost Torturing pass is where the dead are to report to the King of Hell for judgement. In front of the building there are 18 sculptures of ferocious demons.
Tianzi Palace
The Tianzi Palace is the nerve center of the Fengdu Ghost City and the third test. The temple is accessed by an arched gate made of wood and stone. In front of the gate is a large stone. Ghosts must stand on one foot on the stone for three minutes. A virtuous person can do this while an evil person cannot and will then be sent to hell.
