On the slopes of Maoshan Mountain in Shenyang, China, there exists a strange incline that defies the usual laws of physics.
Located on the slopes of Maoshan Mountain in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, there is a peculiar incline. Vehicles ascend the slope effortlessly without pressing the gas pedal, yet descending requires significant effort. This strange slope is commonly referred to as the “haunted slope.”
Situated about 30 km south of downtown, the slope is surrounded by dense forests and rolling mountains. It is located just over a kilometer from National Highway 102, with the Jingha Expressway passing through the area, making transportation very convenient.
The strange slope in Shenyang. (Photo: Travel).
This slope is approximately 80 meters long, about 15 meters wide, and relatively flat. It rises on the western side and gradually slopes down towards the east. Since April 1990, people have noticed something unusual while traveling on this slope: vehicles ascend the slope with remarkable ease, even bicycles can glide without pedaling, while descending is quite laborious. In fact, even when a vehicle is turned off, it can slide from the bottom of the slope to the top.
According to local residents, in 1990, a traffic officer driving a Zip vehicle down the mountain felt the car slowly slide back up the slope after turning off the engine. Surprised, he tested it several times, and each time he experienced the same result.
Since then, the reputation of the “haunted slope” in Shenyang has spread far and wide, attracting tourists eager to witness this rare phenomenon.
Its fame has even drawn the attention of experts. Numerous scientists and researchers have come to investigate, yet to date, no official explanation for this mysterious phenomenon has been recognized.
Descending requires pedaling, while ascending is effortless. (Screenshot from video).
One proposed explanation is the effect of a magnetic field. Some believe that the strong magnetic field in the area of the slope attracts vehicles upward with ease. However, no evidence of ferromagnetic materials with significant magnetic effects has been discovered in this area, making this explanation unconvincing.
Another explanation suggests a visual illusion. The western slope of Maoshan Mountain has a higher elevation compared to the east, while the incline itself is the opposite – lower on the east and higher on the west. This difference in visual reference points may create a sense of disparity. The phenomenon of vehicles sliding from the base of the slope to the top can make people feel as though they are going uphill, when in fact they are going downhill.
For decades, the “haunted slope” has remained unchanged. Despite various speculations, its allure has not diminished, making it a popular destination for research and tourism.
