Beijing is an ancient place and like most historical cities it has its fair share of ghost stories. They’re usually rooted in actual events, even if the “facts” are a bit less verifiable. At any rate, the educator and self-declared nerd in me loves these haunted histories way more than any slasher flick. So, in honor of Halloween, I’ll be digging up (pun intended) a few of the best child-friendly spooky stories to share over the next few weeks.
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) Babaoshan cemetery 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.
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