The Lakeside Hotel, located near the Shimen Reservoir, belonged to a hotel group of the same name. There is little information available about this hotel. According to online sources, it ceased operations in 2001 after suffering financial losses since 1998.
The hotel is of interest to us for two main reasons: the rise of ghost stories and the development of tourism in the region.
Changing Tourism Trends
Visiting the site today, it quickly becomes clear why this once-popular hotel had no future. It sits in a stunning location by Amuping Pier at the Shimen Dam. You can take a short walk or go on a boat ride—but that’s about it. This suited the leisure habits of that time, which were more passive in nature. People sought peaceful relaxation in scenic surroundings, complemented by good food.
However, those habits began to shift. International travel became increasingly popular, and expectations for local tourism changed.
The Explosion?
The rest is unconfirmed, though mentioned on various websites: the supposed cause of the hotel’s demise was a gas leak in the basement kitchen. It went unnoticed until a massive explosion occurred, damaging the entire building. Someone later tried to reopen the hotel, but it’s said that the “victims” within were not pleased. Several accidents reportedly occurred during renovation attempts.
When I visited, only one person mentioned a fire. I couldn’t find any signs of significant fire damage. A local resident said that in the past, people loved to explore the building. But he also warned me not to go in—claiming there are too many “criminals” around now.
Ghost Stories
As always, when (allegedly) lives are lost, ghost stories begin to circulate. These tales quickly take on a life of their own online. People sneak in at night and report their experiences—feeling uneasy, sensing shadows. Whether these are psychological impressions or something more is for each person to decide.
If you’re interested, you can find more stories here:
https://cowperc.blogspot.com/2010/08/blog-post_08.html
People visit the site having heard the legends, often already in a heightened state. Sensitive individuals may genuinely be affected. Those who take themselves very seriously often expect to see something—sometimes, they do.
Not unexpectedly, the urban legend of the woman in the red dress or the girl in the red cape eventually appears as well.
(Copyright Claudius Petzold)
