The Portland Shanghai Tunnels tour is a fascinating and unique experience for anyone visiting the city. The tour takes visitors through the underground tunnels that were once used for transporting goods, but also served a darker purpose in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The tunnels were used to kidnap and enslave laborers, who were then sold to sea captains for work on their ships.
Today, the tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about their history and the role they played in the city’s past. The tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and they do an excellent job of bringing the tunnels to life with their stories and anecdotes. Visitors can also enjoy pizza and beer during the tour, which adds to the fun and relaxed atmosphere.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Portland Shanghai Tunnels tour is the haunted reputation that the tunnels have earned over the years. Many visitors have reported strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena during their time in the tunnels, and the tour guides are happy to share these stories with visitors. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the haunted aspect of the tour adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the experience.
History and Origins
The Dark Past
The Portland Shanghai Tunnels are a series of underground passageways beneath the streets of Old Town Chinatown in Portland, Oregon. These tunnels were originally built in the mid-19th century to transport goods from the waterfront to various businesses in the downtown area. However, they soon became associated with a darker side of Portland’s history.
Shanghaiing and Human Trafficking
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Portland was a major port city, and sailors were often “shanghaied,” or kidnapped, and sold into forced labor on ships bound for Asia. Many of these men were taken to the Shanghai Tunnels, where they were held captive until they could be sold to ship captains. In addition to being used for shanghaiing, the tunnels were also rumored to have been used for human trafficking, with women and children being smuggled through them to be sold into prostitution.
Preservation Efforts
In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve and restore the Shanghai Tunnels. In 2013, an educational non-profit called the Cascade Geographic Society was formed with the goal of researching and documenting the history of the tunnels. The Society has worked with local businesses and organizations to raise awareness of the tunnels’ history and to promote their preservation. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the Shanghai Tunnels, where they can learn about Portland’s dark history and see firsthand the remnants of this once-hidden world.
Overall, the Shanghai Tunnels are a fascinating and sobering reminder of Portland’s past. While their history is dark, efforts to preserve and educate about that history can help ensure that it is not forgotten.
Tour Experience
The Shanghai Tunnels tour is a walking tour that takes visitors through the historic underground tunnels of Portland’s Old Town. The tour is led by a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide who shares interesting stories and facts about the city’s dark history.
Walking Tour Highlights
The tour highlights the history of Portland’s Chinatown and the role that the tunnels played in the city’s past. Visitors will learn about the kidnappings and forced labor that took place in the tunnels during the early 1900s. The tour also covers the history of the Merchant Hotel and Old Town Pizza, which were both located above the tunnels.
Resident Ghost, Nina
One of the most popular features of the tour is the story of the resident ghost, Nina. Visitors will hear about the tragic life of Nina and how she came to haunt the tunnels. The tour guide will share stories of Nina’s sightings and the experiences of those who have encountered her ghostly presence.
Special Features of the Tour
The Shanghai Tunnels tour offers some special features that set it apart from other ghost tours. Visitors can choose between a live tour guide or a virtual tour experience. The tour also includes a beer tasting at the end, where visitors can sample some of Portland’s famous craft beer.
Tickets for the tour can be purchased online or in person at the tour’s starting location. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers a distance of about one mile. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Overall, the Shanghai Tunnels tour is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the haunted places and dark history of Portland.
Practical Information
Booking and Tickets
To book a tour of the Portland Shanghai Tunnels, visitors can visit the official website of the Shanghai Tunnels. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable. The tour is only available for visitors who are 21 years or older. Visitors are not allowed to bring any food or drink during the tour.
Tour Schedule and Cancellation Policy
The tour schedule for the Portland Shanghai Tunnels varies depending on the day of the week. Visitors are advised to check the website for the latest schedule. In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, the Shanghai Tunnels will provide a full refund to the ticket holder.
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
The tour of the Portland Shanghai Tunnels is not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers. The tour requires moderate physical fitness level as visitors will need to walk through narrow and low tunnels. The tour includes historic mentions of sexual content and violence, so it may not be suitable for all visitors.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. The temperature in the tunnels can be cooler than outside, so bringing a light jacket is recommended. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs or videos during the tour.
The maximum number of travelers per tour is 15, so visitors are advised to book in advance to secure a spot.
Beyond the Tunnels
Cultural Impact
The Shanghai Tunnels tour is not only a thrilling experience but also a fascinating insight into the history of Portland. The tunnels are a significant part of Portland’s history, and they have left a lasting legacy on the city. The tour offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s past and the impact that it had on the development of the city.
The tunnels were used to transport goods and people throughout the city, and they played a significant role in the growth of Portland’s economy. The tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the city’s history and how it has shaped the city we know today.
Modern-Day Attractions
Portland has a lot to offer beyond the Shanghai Tunnels tour. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant culture and take in some of its modern-day attractions. The city is home to a thriving food and drink scene, and visitors can sample some of Old Town’s award-winning beer.
In addition to the food and drink scene, Portland is home to a range of cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the city’s museums, galleries, and theaters. The city also has a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America, and visitors can take part in ghost tours and explore the city’s spooky side.
Overall, the Shanghai Tunnels tour is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Portland’s history. Visitors can learn about the city’s past and explore its modern-day attractions. With exclusive access to the legendary Shanghai Tunnels, the tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Cool Rad Weird