Ghost Tour in Beijing

At first glance, Beijing may not reveal many mysteries. The deteriorating streets are gradually improving, and old buildings are giving way to towering skyscrapers. However, peeling back that exterior unveils the Chinese capital as a place full of supernatural tales, mostly linked to the intrigues of the ancient empire and the peculiar superstitions of the locals.

Embarking at night from the Beihai subway station, guide Christopher Pegg leads tourists through more than 20 locations in the winding, narrow maze-like alleys near Houhai Lake and the Forbidden City for an enthralling 2-hour journey. The magnificent and exquisite palace serves as the perfect backdrop for chilling stories that send shivers down the spines of the visitors.

The Downfall of Hòa Thân - A Corrupt Official

Hòa Thân, a prominent official of the Qing dynasty, constructed the Forbidden City in 1777. Favored by Emperor Qianlong, Hòa Thân became corrupt, increasing taxes, exploiting the people, engaging in embezzlement, and bribery. Consequently, he amassed an enormous fortune, amounting to tens of thousands of silver taels.

Guide Christopher Pegg recounts: “When he was young, due to his mischievousness, Emperor Qianlong caused a concubine to fall out of favor, leading her to take her own life. Her death weighed heavily on the emperor's conscience. Therefore, he decided to leave a mark of blood on her neck for identification in the afterlife. The year the concubine departed was also the year Hòa Thân was born. Not only did he bear a striking resemblance, but he also had a red mark on his neck, just like the bloodstain left by Emperor Qianlong. This uncanny coincidence led Emperor Qianlong to believe that Hòa Thân was the reincarnation of the departed concubine. After Emperor Qianlong's death, Hòa Thân fell out of favor and was ultimately sentenced to execution.”

According to legend, after Hòa Thân's demise, blood-stained footprints appeared in front of the Forbidden City's entrance. It is believed that his spirit returned home in search of his wealth.

Interacting with Spirits and Ghostly Nuptials

Beyond Hòa Thân's tale, tourists also delve into the history of the most notorious emperor of the Ming dynasty – Emperor Vinh Lac, and some sinister anecdotes of Chinese royal leaders.

However, the most alluring part of this extraordinary 'ghostly tour' is the chance to interact with the spirits of Beijing and even partake in ghostly weddings if desired. Ghostly weddings are a traditional Chinese custom allowing the spirits of the deceased to form marital unions with the living.

Brave souls can participate in a ghostly wedding ceremony with all the rituals, from paying respects to ancestors to worshiping the Jade Emperor. They may even extend invitations to hungry ghosts, commonly known as Mr. E and Mrs. E (E' in Chinese signifies hunger), to join the celebration. “Hungry ghosts are spirits unable to consume anything in the afterlife. Hence, we invite them to the ghostly wedding ceremony.” – Pegg revealed.

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Source: Travel Handbook by Mytour