Portlands Underground Opium Den
1 / 10

Shanghai Tunnels Portland

3.8
·550 reviews·Portland, United States

Explore Portland's shadowy past in the historic Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages filled with tales of intrigue and hauntings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening tours

Spookier atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Portlands Underground Opium Den

Shanghai Tunnels Portland

Best Time

Evening tours

Spookier atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Portland's shadowy past in the historic Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages filled with tales of intrigue and hauntings.

3.8
(550 reviews)

"Natasha was the greatest tour guide ever! She turned history into fascinating tales of greed, corruption, human trafficking, and other sordid crimes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Manage Expectations

It's a historical basement, not a vast underground city. Focus on the stories! :flashlight:

🗣️ Listen to Your Guide

Guides like Natasha make the history come alive with captivating tales. :microphone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Haunted History Tour

Haunted History Tour

Old Town Pizza & Brewing

Uncover eerie tales of Portland's past, from human trafficking to restless spirits. A blend of history and spooky stories.

Instagram
Natasha's Engaging Narration

Natasha's Engaging Narration

Various tour groups

Experience history brought to life with passionate guides like Natasha, who weave fascinating tales of greed and corruption.

Reddit
Craft Beer Tasting

Craft Beer Tasting

Old Town Pizza & Brewing

Conclude your tour with a tasting of local craft beers in a unique, tunnel-themed speakeasy setting.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Understand the 'Tunnels'

The Shanghai Tunnels are more of a historical basement network than extensive underground passages. Tours focus on storytelling and history, not deep exploration. Manage expectations for a 'dank basement' experience rather than a vast subterranean city. Reddit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Popular tours, especially those with knowledgeable guides like Natasha, fill up quickly. Booking ahead ensures your spot and allows you to plan your Portland underground adventure. TikTok

Best Times

When
Evening tours
Why
Spookier atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More vibrant bar scene
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Shanghai Tunnels 😬 #shanghaitunnels #tunnels #haunted #portland #scarystory
@truecrimetok03
46.6K likes • 475.6K views

🎯 Manage Expectations

It's a historical basement, not a vast underground city. Focus on the stories! Reddit :flashlight:

🗣️ Listen to Your Guide

Guides like Natasha make the history come alive with captivating tales. Reddit :microphone:

#portland #paranormal #creepy #scary #legend
@parahan251
20.2K likes • 208.4K views
The Shanghai Tunnels in Portland #urbanlegends #urbanlegend #folklore #mythology #scary #horror #haunted #scary #supernatural #paranormal #ghosts #ghoststory #ghoststories #portland #oregon #theshanghaitunnels
thepongok
0 likes • 901 views

🍺 Beer Tasting Included

Enjoy a craft beer tasting at the end; a great way to cap off the tour. Reddit :beer_mug:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking and standing, so wear comfortable footwear for the tour. :athletic_shoe:

Shanghai Tunnels in Portland, Oregon beginning with an outdoor space where a woman named Ninah lost her life! #Ninah #shanghaitunnels #portland #medium #psychicmedium #psychicmediumsofinstagram
mediummelanierose
9 likes • 269 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Manage Expectations

It's a historical basement, not a vast underground city. Focus on the stories! Reddit :flashlight:

🗣️ Listen to Your Guide

Guides like Natasha make the history come alive with captivating tales. Reddit :microphone:

🍺 Beer Tasting Included

Enjoy a craft beer tasting at the end; a great way to cap off the tour. Reddit :beer_mug:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking and standing, so wear comfortable footwear for the tour. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Vibe

While photography might be restricted in some areas, capture the unique atmosphere. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

3.8
(550 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Shanghai Tunnels tours to be a fun and engaging experience, particularly praising the knowledgeable and entertaining guides like Natasha. The historical storytelling and the included craft beer tasting are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some feel the 'tunnels' are more like basements and that the 'haunted' stories are largely hearsay or recreations, leading to mixed feelings about repeat visits.

"This was a fun activity my fiance and I did on our date night. Natasha was a great tour guide! I enjoyed learning about the history in a fun way. I'm not much of s beer drinker, but the beer at the end was a nice way to end the night. Natasha was very knowledgeable in not only Portland history, but in architecture as well as many other things. Her quirky personality was a fantastic addition to the tour. I highly recommend giving this a try."

Jesica Brown

"We absolutely loved our experience at Old Town Pizza & Brewery!
We got the house special pizza and garlic knots. Both were absolutely delicious! We also sampled a few of the Old Town Brewery beers and enjoyed all We tried.
We did the haunted history tour of the tunnels and loved every minute! The tour was so informative and fun and our tour guide, Natasha was phenomenal!
Highly recommend you do it all!!"

Kandy Jonker

"Natasha was the greatest tour guide ever! She turned history into fascinating tales of greed, corruption, human trafficking, and other sordid crimes - her flair and knowledge brought everything to life, keeping us entertained, educated, and safe. The tunnels are spooky and creepy, but an amazing reminder of how far humanity has come and how far it has to go. The craft beer tasting in a replica tunnel speakeasy topped off the night in a grand fashion. This was worth every penny and more...Natasha deserves a raise 😊"

Melissa Madsen

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable guides
Fascinating historical stories
Craft beer tasting included

What People Dislike

Exaggerated 'haunted' stories
Tunnels are historical basements
Limited non-alcoholic options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Shanghai Tunnels are located in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. Most tours depart from or are associated with Old Town Pizza & Brewing. You can reach this area via public transportation (bus or MAX light rail) or by car, though parking can be challenging in the area. Instagram

Parking in Old Town Chinatown can be limited and expensive. It's recommended to look for public parking garages or consider using rideshare services. Instagram

Generally, no. Access to the Shanghai Tunnels is primarily through guided tours. There are no freely accessible entrances for independent exploration. Reddit

While Old Town Pizza & Brewing is a common starting point, some tours might have slightly different meeting locations within the Old Town area. Always check your booking confirmation for precise details. Instagram

Old Town is best explored on foot. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Public transport is also a convenient option for getting to the area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices can vary, but expect to pay around $25-$35 per person. Some tours include a beer tasting, which is factored into the price. Reddit

Yes, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for popular evening tours or if you want to ensure a spot with a specific guide. Instagram

Tours typically run in the evenings, often starting around 6 PM or later, to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Check specific tour operators for exact times. Instagram

Some reviewers suggest that a discount for non-drinkers or a non-alcoholic tasting option would be beneficial. Currently, it's often a set price. Reddit

Most tickets include the guided historical and haunted tour. Many also include a craft beer tasting at the end, often at Old Town Pizza & Brewing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Tours involve walking through historical basements and tunnels, with guides sharing stories of Portland's past, including tales of shanghaiing, crime, and hauntings. TikTokInstagram

While many stories are anecdotal and based on hearsay, the atmosphere is designed to be spooky. Guides often share personal accounts and local legends. InstagramReddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on your feet. The tunnels can be a bit damp and cool, so layers are a good idea. TikTok

The tours focus on historical events that can be dark, including human trafficking. It's best suited for older teens and adults who can appreciate the historical context and spooky stories. TikTok

Tours typically last about an hour, providing a focused and engaging experience without being too long. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Old Town Pizza & Brewing is a popular spot to enjoy pizza and craft beers before or after your tour. Many tours conclude with a tasting there. Reddit

They are known for their pizzas, including a 'house special,' and garlic knots. They also offer a selection of their own brewed beers. Reddit

While the tour often includes a beer tasting, it's advisable to inquire about non-alcoholic beverage options if you don't drink alcohol. Reddit

Most haunted history tours associated with Old Town Pizza & Brewing include a beer tasting. Always confirm what's included when booking. Instagram

Reviewers highly recommend the house special pizza and garlic knots. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary by tour operator. Some may restrict photos to protect the atmosphere or for safety reasons. It's best to ask your guide. Instagram

The exterior of Old Town Pizza & Brewing and the historic architecture of the Old Town Chinatown district offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

Yes, the tunnels are intentionally kept dimly lit to enhance the spooky ambiance, which can make photography challenging without a flash. TikTok

While not explicitly designed for photos, the unique historical setting and the speakeasy-style bar at the end of some tours can make for interesting shots. Instagram

A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a strong night mode would be beneficial if you plan to take photos in the dimly lit environment. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Older Teens

The Shanghai Tunnels offer a unique historical and slightly spooky experience that can be engaging for families with older teenagers. The tours delve into Portland's past, including stories of shanghaiing and crime, which can spark interesting conversations about history and societal changes. TikTok Guides often present the information in a captivating way that appeals to a younger audience interested in mysteries and legends. Reddit

Recommendation: Opt for tours that emphasize the historical storytelling aspect. While the 'haunted' elements are present, the focus on historical context makes it educational. Ensure your teens are comfortable with dimly lit spaces and potentially unsettling historical narratives. The included beer tasting at the end is typically for adults, but the overall experience is memorable for the family.

💑 Couples Seeking a Unique Date Night

For couples looking for an unconventional date night, the Shanghai Tunnels tours are a fantastic choice. The combination of historical intrigue, spooky tales, and the atmospheric setting creates a memorable experience. Reddit Many tours conclude with a craft beer tasting, offering a relaxed way to connect and discuss the evening's discoveries. Reddit

Tip: Book an evening tour for the most atmospheric experience. Consider pairing your tour with dinner at Old Town Pizza & Brewing beforehand to make a full night of it. The engaging narratives and shared sense of adventure make for great conversation starters.

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to the supernatural, the Shanghai Tunnels offer a rich tapestry of local legends and alleged hauntings. While the historical accuracy of some tales is debated, the guides often share personal anecdotes and stories passed down through generations, fueling the paranormal mystique. Instagram+1

What to Expect: Tours focus on the darker aspects of Portland's history, including stories of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena. While not a dedicated ghost hunt, the atmosphere and the narratives are designed to evoke a sense of the uncanny. Many visitors report feeling a distinct 'vibe' in the tunnels. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Legend of the Shanghai Tunnels

The Shanghai Tunnels beneath Portland, Oregon, are steeped in a dark and often exaggerated history. Originally constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these passages served various purposes, including transportation of goods and access to basements of businesses. However, their notoriety stems from the alleged practice of 'shanghaiing' – the illegal kidnapping and forced enlistment of men into maritime service. Sailors would be drugged or tricked into the tunnels and then transported to ships waiting in the Willamette River. TikTokInstagram

While the extent of the shanghaiing operations is debated, the tunnels became a symbol of Portland's grittier past. Today, many of these historical passages are now part of the basements of buildings in the Old Town Chinatown area, most notably Old Town Pizza & Brewing. Tours often focus on these stories, blending historical facts with local folklore and ghost stories, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. InstagramReddit

It's important to note that much of what is presented on tours is based on oral history and legend. Some elements, like trap doors and specific 'haunted' rooms, are often recreations or embellished tales. Nevertheless, the underground Portland experience offers a unique glimpse into the city's shadowy history and the enduring power of its urban legends. Reddit

Navigating the Shanghai Tunnels Tour Experience

The Shanghai Tunnels tour is a popular activity for those seeking a bit of history and a thrill. Most tours are led by guides who are passionate about Portland's past and excel at storytelling. Guides like Natasha are frequently praised for their knowledge, energy, and ability to transform historical facts into captivating narratives of greed, corruption, and human struggle. InstagramReddit

The experience typically involves a guided walk through the accessible parts of the tunnels and basements. While the 'tunnels' themselves are not an extensive underground network but rather historical basement spaces, the atmosphere is intentionally kept dim and eerie to enhance the spooky ambiance. TikTokReddit Many tours conclude with a craft beer tasting, often at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, providing a pleasant way to end the evening and discuss the stories heard. Reddit

Visitor Tip: While the stories are compelling, remember that many are based on hearsay and local legends. The 'haunted' aspects are part of the storytelling, designed to entertain and inform rather than present definitive paranormal evidence. Reddit This makes it a great option for a date night or a fun outing with friends who appreciate history with a spooky twist. Instagram