Essential Travel Tips for Ghost Month: Top 10 Taboos You Must Know

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team

The first day of the seventh lunar month, commonly known as Ghost Gate Opening, is a month filled with taboos. Many elders remind everyone to be especially cautious when traveling or having fun during this time. Despite being a month shrouded in mystery, many travelers still make their travel plans. Aside from avoiding beaches and dangerous areas, here are ten key taboos for Ghost Month that travelers may want to keep in mind.

1. When traveling, try to avoid swimming at beaches or rivers to prevent being taken by water ghosts.

2. Avoid whistling at night when you’re out, as it may attract wandering spirits.

3. Don’t randomly pat someone on the shoulder while traveling. Folklore says each person has three “fires” on their body — one on the head and one on each shoulder — which help keep wandering spirits away. Patting someone’s shoulder can extinguish these protective flames, making them more likely to be approached by spirits.

4. Before checking into a hotel, knock on the door to inform any resting spirits inside.

5. When entering a room, step sideways to avoid blocking the spirits’ way out.

6. Try to avoid choosing hotels that are rarely visited, and don’t book rooms located at the end of a hallway.

7. If you see offerings during your travels, don’t eat them casually — taking food from the spirits can bring bad luck.

8. If you accidentally pass by a funeral site, avoid speaking carelessly or harboring disrespectful thoughts to prevent attracting unwanted attention from spirits.

9. Try to avoid taking photos outdoors late at night. The yin energy is stronger at night, especially in remote areas, and you might capture images of spirits.
10. If you see coins, red envelopes, or similar items on the ground, don’t pick them up — doing so might attract spirits to follow you.