Urban Legend - The Vanished 'Wutiao Port'

'Wutiao Port' (Five Rivers Port), encompassing historical areas like Xingangqian Port, Fudou Port, Nanshi Port, Tiao Port, and Anping Port, was once the most historically significant region in Tainan's old city. With the advancement of urban planning during the Japanese colonial era and post-war periods, the once bustling waterways were gradually filled in and covered by underground channels, sealed beneath modern streets. Because these waterways never truly disappeared but merely 'vanished underground,' numerous supernatural legends and ghost stories have emerged among the local populace and older residents concerning Wutiao Port: 1. Underground Water Sounds and 'Oar Chanting' Wutiao Port was historically a hub for merchants and coolies (dockworkers). It's rumored that on quiet nights in the old streets (like Shennong Street, Xinmei Street, Heping Street area), if you press your ear close to an old drain cover or the ground of an old house, you might occasionally hear the sound of 'splashing water' and faint wooden oar strokes from beneath the channel, and even faint Minnanese work chants. Locals believe these are the lingering spirits of coolies who drowned in accidents while working on the water, endlessly repeating their labor in the dark, old waterways. 2. The 'Sunless' Coolie Ghosts and Old Well Taboo In the past, dock fights were frequent, and the waters of Wutiao Port were murky with strong currents, leading to many nameless bodies or victims of altercations being sunk directly into the waterways. As the waterways were filled and houses were built over them, many old houses still retain 'sealed old wells' or water pressure regulation holes in their backyards or courtyards that connect directly to the former underground channels. Old Tainan residents have a taboo regarding these: