A woman in Shanghai drew police attention after repeatedly adjusting a roadside traffic mirror near her home in an attempt to protect her feng shui, a move that led to multiple car accidents.
Feng shui, which translates to “wind and water,” is a traditional Chinese practice focused on maintaining balance and the proper flow of energy, or “chi,” within a space. The woman became alarmed after a streak of bad luck, which a feng shui master blamed on a traffic mirror facing her home, calling it a “demon-revealing” object.
Mirrors hold particular significance in feng shui, with practitioners warning against placing them opposite beds or front doors, as they are believed to reflect harmful energy. Acting on this belief, the woman repositioned the traffic mirror so it no longer faced her house. However, the mirror was essential for drivers navigating a sharp bend in the road, and accidents increased after it was moved between December and January.
After the property management company installed a second mirror on the opposite side of the street, the woman allegedly moved that one as well, again citing bad luck. Frustrated residents eventually involved local authorities, who warned the couple that tampering with traffic safety equipment could carry legal consequences, including liability for accidents.
To stop further interference, the property company later sealed both mirrors in cement. Speaking to local media, the woman’s husband defended her actions, saying they did not want a “demon-revealing” mirror pointed at their home.