The Usa is no stranger to ghost towns. However the ghost towns the United States is mainly renowned for would be the many boom-bust ghost towns of the Gold Rush eras (too increasingly the declining towns and cities from the Rust Belt). There are ghost towns all around the world and often these are very different from what you can expect in the United States.
Houtouwan is a ghost village in China that is being reclaimed by nature and is likely to be the next Instagrammer craze. It stands as a contrast to well-known American ghost towns like Bodie in California. Here it's possible to see what a Chinese fishing village ghost town appears like.
Houtouwan: Its Decline and Abandonment
Houtouwan is an abandoned Chinese fishing village on Shengshan Island around 40 miles east of Shanghai, China. Shengshan Island is one of a series of 400 islands from the Shengsi Island group. In the heyday, the island was the place to find over 2,000 fishermen along with other residents but was abandoned in early 1990s.
- Former Population: Over 2,000 Fishermen along with other Residents
- Abandoned: In the early 1990s
- Population Today: Only A Handful
The village was abandoned mostly due to problems with education and food delivery towards the island.
Also during the 1990s, the rather small bay became increasingly unable to meet the growing fish industry's needs. This also pushed the resident out because they started to migrate to the Chinese mainland in search of better employment along with a better life. The story of Houtouwan is a common one out of China that has experienced massive urbanization in the last many years.
Today merely a handful of residents remain which is becoming a popular local tourist attraction.
Rise To Fame And also the Other-Worldly Beauty of Houtouwan
In only a couple of decades, Houtouwan became overgrown in ivy over almost every building within the deserted village. It's stunning how the greenery has over overtaken what was once a bustling village. Here it's possible to observe how virtually every building is overgrown with ivy and other lush vegetation.
It has turned into a magnet with its otherworldliness. Almost every building has become overgrown in foliage – nevertheless its allure is even more . Like a ghost town, various pieces of furniture remain frozen exactly as they were placed years ago before the inhabitants left.
In China, Houtouwan was rocked to fame in 2022 whenever a series of mesmerizing photographs of the deserted village went viral. Its sudden surge to fame overnight took the local authorities unawares as there wasn't any local tourist infrastructure.
- Fame: Houtouwan Became Famous In China In 2022 After Photos Went Viral
Since then some tourist infrastructure continues to be built so that tourists can admire the unique village whilst not being detrimental to it. Based on CNN Travel, a viewing platform was opened in 2022 that provides views of the village (ticket cost of $3).
Once there, readers are able to hike round the hilly village for an additional fee of around $8. Nowadays there are also signs informing tourists concerning the dangers of entering the derelict buildings.
- B&B: Bed And Breakfasts Have Spawned Around the Island
The village has also spawned bed and breakfast accommodations around the island
The Shengis Archipelago And becoming to Houtouwan
Designated a national scenic area in China the Shengis archipelago consists of around 400 islets and is a popular getaway in the Shanghai mega-metropolis. The islands are famous for their seafood and support among the largest fish farms in China.
- Shengis Archipelago: The Only Archipelago Declared A National Scenic Area In China
- When To Visit: In Summer (Once the Vegetation is Mature and In Full Bloom)
One could possibly get by taking a ferry from Shanghai's Shenjiawan Pier (at 9:15 a.m.) or Zhoushan Shenjiamen Banshengdong Dock (at 7 a.m.). These ferries go to Gouqui Island and from there it is possible to take a taxi to Houtouwan.
- Getting There: Take A Ferry In the Mainland At Shanghai
China Is Full Of Attractions
China is an extremely underrated tourist destination. It is a massive country with a very long can complex history. A few of the other very unique attractions here include the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, the mystical lands of Tibet, tropical island of Hainan, and the world's largest Buddhist institution of Seda or Larung Gar. And that's to say nothing of Fanjingshan temple which may be the world's most extremely perched monastery.
Tip: Hainan Is Visa Free
Many individuals have different opinions of China, but it is certain that the majority of China's attractions are largely unknown towards the West.
