Shanghai Tunnels
Underground passages beneath Portland's Old Town where men were drugged and sold to ships — their confused voices and the scrape of being dragged echo through the brick.
History & haunting lore
The Shanghai Tunnels are a network of passages beneath Portland's Old Town Chinatown, allegedly used in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to kidnap — 'shanghai' — men by drugging them in bars above and dragging them underground to be sold to ship captains.
Tour participants report confused male voices, the scraping sound of a body being dragged across brick, and cold spots at tunnel junctions where captives were supposedly held. Some investigators describe hands grabbing their ankles. The cramped passages amplify claustrophobia and acoustics.
Several competing tour operators offer underground tours of varying authenticity. Portland's Old Town is walkable from downtown. The tunnels are cramped and dark — not suitable for claustrophobia. Wear sturdy shoes as floors are uneven.
Current site status
Underground tours offered by several competing operators in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. Tunnels are cramped and dark — not suitable for those with claustrophobia. Wear sturdy shoes on uneven floors. Downtown Portland location with good transit access. Book tours in advance.
Activity at Shanghai Tunnels
Field notes and sightings tagged to this haunt.