China - Yangtze River (Fengdu: The Ghost City)

We had 3 excursions on the Yangtze River. The first was to Fengdu - The Ghost City. This is an extremely mythological place in China. A combination of Taoist, Buddhist and traditional folk legend, it is said to be the place where all spirits go after death. It is here that the spirit is judged and either sent on to paradise, or are sentenced to purgatory where you must repent your sins and are then reborn in another life.

After the river rises to its full height, parts of this 1800 year old ghost city will be submerged, with the remainder being isolated on an island.

When we got off the boat to see the city, we were greeted by many villagers selling fruit and vegetables.

The entrance to Fengdu.

This is the first of three tests that your spirit must pass successfully in order to be deemed worthy of paradise. There are three bridges, males must cross on the left bridge, females on the right and couples down the centre. You must also cross in a specific number of steps (9 for couples) - too many or too few will result in failure of this test.

The pathway after the bridge is lined by statues of the gods which identify unworthy souls. Each god has a specific "skill": there is one to seduce "men of leisure" and one to seduce "promiscuous ladies". This one is the all-seeing god. Being covered with eyes, it can see your every move.

Not quite sure what this one's special ability is... any ideas???

This doorway signifies the second test. Men must step over the threshold with their left foot and women with their right.... or the other way around... I can't remember... Once on the other side of the threshold, you must walk down the hall without turning to look behind you. There will be other spirits calling your name, trying to trick you into turning around and thus fail the test.

This is the third and final test. A worthy spirit will be able to balance on this stone on one foot for three seconds. Although it may look easy, it's actually really tough...

...as Jenn found out...

This was just a neat little pagoda that we saw in Fengdu.