A Demon Sculpture at Fengdu
A Demon Sculpture at Fengdu
Stop 5: Fengdu "The Ghost City"
Focus
Question: What are some of the
sacrifices and benefits that Chinese citizens living along the Yangtze River
have endured?
Portfolio Questions:
Why do people live and move where they do? & Why do people live the way they do?
(Ba People: How do we know what we know about human history?)
Geography: Fengdu is a city on the banks of the Yangtze River. The original city buildings, roads, and scenery will be completely submerged when the water level reaches 175 meters. Fengdu is a popular tourist attraction and it has been relocated to a more elevated place. This fate is similar to other low-lying towns and cities on the Yangtze. Over a million Chinese residents has or will have to move due to the changing water levels [Source].
The Relocation Issue:
Many towns have been demolished and then relocated to areas of higher elevation. The Chinese citizens living in these areas did not have a choice either. They did receive some money in compensation though. Click here to see a map of the areas/number of people relocated.
The area below has been cleared of buildings (Past versus Present)
The Yangtze River town of Fenjii in 1905 (This is now
submerged) The current relocated city of Fengdu. It will be completely submerged.
 |
Hanging Ba Coffins The Ba were an ancient people who resided in the
Sichuan area of China. They were conquered by the Qin dynasty. They are
thought to have been a diverse group of different ethnicities that were
ruled as a confederation under a king. While there is archeological evidence
that they farmed, the Ba relied mostly on hunting and fishing. One of the
most interesting relics of the Ba are the Hanging Coffins in the cliffs of
the Yangtze River (Left). It is still a mystery as to why they placed these
coffins in the cliff walls. |
Fengdu "The Ghost City" Background: Di Yu (meaning "Earth Prison") comes from Chinese mythology. Incorporating ideas from Taoism and Buddhism as well as traditional Chinese folk religion, Di Yu is a kind of purgatory place which serves not only to punish but also to renew spirits ready for their next incarnation. In Taoist and Buddhist mythology, hell is made up of ten courts, each ruled by one of the 10 Yama Kings (Gods and judges of the dead.) and 18 levels in which wrongdoers are punished. Fengdu's scenery depicts much of this hellish mythology. Note: The overall philosophy of Taoism is does not represent what is seen at Fengdu, rather the Ghost City is a temple dedicated to sightseeing and mythology.
Some Pictures of What Remains of Fengdu:
Palace of Heaven entrance at Fengdu (The place where the
dead enter and are judged.).
Palace of Heaven Dieties
The Palace of Heaven judges (Confucian).
The Palace of Heaven - The Emperor of Heaven (Yellow
Emperor "Huang Di" was thought to be one of the founders of Taoism).
Fengdu Hell - Where the dead pay for their sins in their
prior life (The screen/fence was their to protect the grotesque display.).
Fengdu Demon - These line the stairway one walks up to
the Palace of Heaven.
Related Assignments: Learning About the Three Ways of Thought (Taoism, Confucianism, Legalism) & Three Ways of Thought: Quotes from the Founders
Picture Gallery:
Fengdu Ghost City
Article:
Troubled
Waters: Fengdu (Time)
Websites for More
Information:
Taoism - Wikipedia
The Vinegar
Tasters - Tao of Pooh excerpt (Great for explaining the difference
between Taoism, Buddhism, & Confucianism)