We were lucky enough to catch the last night of the Hungry Ghosts Festival.

The Chinese believe that every year, the Gates of Hell are open for spirits and ghosts (for a whole month, around summertime) to return to earth and roam freely in search for food, fun, or revenge.

The believers offer them food and drinks to keep them happy. And the most spectacular night of the festival has to be the last night. All altars are burned to ashes (along with the God of Hell) and the spirits will return to hell (where they’ll remain for another 11 months).

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Fun fact: Chinese Budists don’t believe in hell and heaven but rather in a layered hell with 18 levels. While -1 is rather awesome (a.k.a paradise / luxury hotel / all you can eat buffet), -18 is wel…hellish.