Magic mountain

The Ghost City in Fengdu is a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and even Hindu influences. [Photo by Bidisha Bagchi for Shanghai Star]

All these halls have giant, colorful statues of all gods and scholars and it is beautiful to see how intricately everything was designed and maintained.

After these halls came the most interesting part of the city - the bridge over troubled water. It is said that people with kind souls can cross the bridge easily and those who are dishonest will fail. It is also said that couples who want to renew their marriage in the next life can also cross the bridge with just nine steps. There was a long line in front of this bridge as everyone wanted to cross this bridge successfully.

The Jade Emperor Hall was next, with a terrace that has a beautiful pavilion and also a great view of the new Fengdu city. The original hall was in a state of ruin so the new hall was constructed in 2008 with gorgeous statues of the Jade Emperor, intricate door carvings, pillars and columns, all bright red, blue and golden in color - brilliant!