Shanghai China Video

Local Myths and Legends of Shanghai China

Shanghai, the bustling metropolis on the eastern coast of China, is not only known for its modern skyline and vibrant city life but also for its rich history and fascinating local myths and legends. These tales have been passed down through generations, adding an air of mystery and enchantment to the city’s cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore some of the most intriguing myths and legends of Shanghai, offering a glimpse into the supernatural and fantastical side of this captivating city.

The Origin of Shanghai

• Legend has it that Shanghai’s name originated from the ancient fishing village of Shànghǎi, which means “on the sea” in Chinese.
• According to folklore, a young boy named Hai, who possessed magical powers, saved the village from a terrible flood by summoning a dragon to control the waters.
• As a token of gratitude, the villagers named their settlement after the boy, combining his name with the word for sea.

Keywords: Shanghai’s origin, fishing village, flood, magical powers, dragon.

The Haunted Mansion of Moganshan Road

• The Haunted Mansion on Moganshan Road is one of the most famous ghost stories in Shanghai.
• Legend has it that the mansion was once owned by a wealthy family who fell victim to a tragic murder-suicide.
• Visitors claim to have seen apparitions, heard eerie sounds, and experienced inexplicable cold spots within the mansion’s walls.
• Some believe that the restless spirits of the deceased family members still haunt the premises, seeking justice and closure.

Keywords: Haunted Mansion, Moganshan Road, ghost stories, murder-suicide, apparitions, restless spirits.

The Nine Dragons Pillar at Longhua Temple

• Longhua Temple is home to a legendary Nine Dragons Pillar, believed to have been built during the Song Dynasty.
• The pillar is said to possess magical powers and is associated with numerous miracles and blessings.
• According to folklore, touching the pillar can bring good fortune, heal ailments, and grant wishes.
• Devotees from all over the world visit Longhua Temple to seek blessings and experience the mystical energy of the Nine Dragons Pillar.

Keywords: Nine Dragons Pillar, Longhua Temple, Song Dynasty, magical powers, miracles, blessings.

The Ghost Bride of Jing’an Temple

• Jing’an Temple is known for its peaceful ambiance and serene beauty, but it is also home to a tragic legend of a ghost bride.
• According to the tale, a young bride was abandoned by her groom on their wedding day and took her own life out of despair.
• Her spirit is said to wander the temple grounds, appearing as a sorrowful figure in a wedding dress.
• Visitors claim to have seen her ghostly form and felt a sense of sadness and unease in certain areas of the temple.

Keywords: Ghost Bride, Jing’an Temple, abandoned, wedding day, spirit, sorrowful figure.

The Magic of the Yu Garden

• Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in Shanghai, is steeped in mythical tales and enchanting folklore.
• Legend has it that the garden was built by a wealthy official to bring happiness and prosperity to his parents.
• Visitors can explore the garden’s intricate pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, each with its own story and symbolism.
• It is believed that the garden’s harmonious design and hidden pathways possess a magical aura, transporting visitors to a bygone era.

Keywords: Yu Garden, classical Chinese garden, mythical tales, happiness, prosperity, magical aura.

The Legend of the White Snake at West Lake

• West Lake, located in Hangzhou near Shanghai, is famous for its picturesque landscapes and the legend of the White Snake.
• The legend tells the story of a white snake spirit who falls in love with a human scholar.
• Their forbidden love and the ensuing trials and tribulations form the basis of this enduring tale.
• Visitors can explore various sites associated with the legend, such as the Broken Bridge and the Leifeng Pagoda, and witness performances inspired by the story.

Keywords: White Snake, West Lake, forbidden love, trials, tribulations, performances.

The Mystery of the Bund Tunnel

• The Bund Tunnel, an underground pedestrian tunnel beneath the Huangpu River, is shrouded in mystery and urban legends.
• According to some accounts, the tunnel was built on a haunted site, resulting in strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena.
• Visitors have reported hearing whispers, feeling sudden drops in temperature, and witnessing shadowy figures while traversing the tunnel.
• Whether these experiences are mere coincidences or the result of supernatural forces, the Bund Tunnel remains an intriguing enigma.

Keywords: Bund Tunnel, pedestrian tunnel, haunted site, unexplained phenomena, shadowy figures, supernatural forces.

The Legend of the Immortal Peach Garden

• The Immortal Peach Garden, located on the outskirts of Shanghai, is a legendary paradise said to be hidden from mortal eyes.
• According to ancient folklore, this mystical garden is inhabited by immortals who feast on magical peaches, granting them eternal life.
• Legends suggest that those who possess pure hearts and noble intentions may stumble upon the entrance to this ethereal realm.
• However, the exact location of the Immortal Peach Garden remains a closely guarded secret.

Keywords: Immortal Peach Garden, paradise, mystical, immortals, magical peaches, ethereal realm.

The Cursed Well of Xujiahui Park

• Xujiahui Park, a serene green oasis in Shanghai, is home to a cursed well with a chilling legend attached to it.
• It is said that anyone who drinks from this well will be plagued by misfortune and tragedy.
• Local superstition warns visitors to avoid the well and its cursed waters, fearing the consequences that may befall them.
• Despite the warnings, the well continues to be a source of intrigue for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.

Keywords: Cursed Well, Xujiahui Park, misfortune, tragedy, superstition, supernatural.

The Mystery of the Shanghai Tunnels

• Underneath the bustling streets of Shanghai lie a network of mysterious tunnels, commonly known as the Shanghai Tunnels.
• These underground passages were once used for various purposes, including smuggling and secret societies.
• Legends abound about hidden treasures, ghostly apparitions, and secret entrances to long-forgotten parts of the city.
• Exploring these tunnels is not only an adventure but also an opportunity to uncover the secrets and stories buried beneath Shanghai’s surface.

Keywords: Shanghai Tunnels, underground passages, smuggling, secret societies, hidden treasures, ghostly apparitions.

Conclusion

Shanghai, with its vibrant culture and deep-rooted history, is a city that is not only defined by its modernity but also by its captivating myths and legends. From haunted mansions to mystical gardens, these tales offer a glimpse into the supernatural world that coexists with the bustling metropolis. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, exploring the local myths and legends of Shanghai is sure to ignite your imagination and add an extra layer of enchantment to your visit.

References

1. travelchinaguide.com

2. chinahighlights.com

3. shanghaihighlights.com

4. chinadaily.com.cn