Beijing’s Haunted History: A Not So Spooky Subway Ride

Advertisement

Cue the thriller theme song!

▼

The Haunting Of Line 1

In 1965 Beijing began construction on subway line one. The line passes through 八宝山 (Bābǎoshān) Babaoshancemetery and according to local legend, the project suffered several unexplainable accidents and equipment malfunctions.

The foreman called in local monks who informed the crew that the negative energy was the result of restless spirits residing in graves that had been disrupted by the construction. After performing a ritual to dispel and appease the spirits, the monks suggested that no trains run between 11:00 pm and 1:00 am because this was the natural resting time for otherworldly beings. It was also decided that there would be one "phantom train" run after the line closed to the public each night to shepherd the spirits back to their proper homes.

Rumor has it that after the ceremony no further incidents occurred but two stations on line one (Fushouling and Gaojing) are not open to the public. Coincidence?…probably.

Images: Unsplash

KEEP READING

Advertisement