Nestled among the hills of Shengshan Island, off the eastern coast of China, lies a village that time didn’t so much forget as nature chose to reclaim. Houtouwan, once a bustling fishing hub, is now a sight so surreal it feels like stepping into a dream. Where fishermen once repaired nets and children played by the shore, lush green vines now snake through doorways and stretch across rooftops, creating a world where plants have become the new residents.
Houtouwan’s story begins in the 1980s, when it thrived with over 3,000 inhabitants. Life revolved around the sea, with rows of boats lining the harbour and families depending on the ocean for their livelihood. But the village’s remote location came with challenges. Limited access to mainland facilities made life here increasingly hard. By the 1990s, residents began leaving for better opportunities in cities. By 2002, the village stood empty, officially abandoned and left to nature’s quiet persistence.
When Plants Moved In
As humans departed, greenery moved in with remarkable speed. Today, Houtouwan’s houses, streets, and walls are cloaked in ivy, moss, and creeping vegetation. Some structures remain intact, their interiors untouched except for sunlight streaming through cracked windows. Others have surrendered entirely, reduced to skeletal remnants beneath a green blanket.
Visitors describe the village as mesmerising and otherworldly. During summer, sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting dappled patterns on the ground. Thick vines drape over roofs, as if protecting the village from the outside world. The contrast between human architecture and nature’s takeover creates a scene both eerie and enchanting.
Viral Fame and Visitors
Houtouwan’s obscurity ended abruptly in 2015 when striking photographs of the overgrown village went viral online. The images captivated viewers around the globe, with some comparing the village to a movie set for a fantasy epic. As interest grew, so did the number of visitors. By 2021, over 90,000 tourists came to witness this green ghost town.
To accommodate the influx, a viewing platform opened in 2017, offering panoramic views of the verdant ruins. Hiking trails were established, guiding travellers through narrow pathways lined with precarious structures. Signs caution visitors to tread carefully, as many buildings are unstable.
But the experience is worth the risk for many. Tourists come armed with cameras and curiosity, eager to explore Houtouwan’s narrow alleys and snap photos of vines cascading down stone walls. Social media has only amplified the appeal, with influencers sharing videos and pictures that make the village look almost Tolkien-esque.
A Community’s Echo
Though Houtouwan is now a tourist destination, its history as a community is still tangible. Traces of everyday life linger in the form of forgotten furniture and abandoned tools. The village tells a story of resilience, not only of the people who once called it home but also of the natural world that has reclaimed it.
Efforts to preserve Houtouwan’s beauty are ongoing. Authorities on Shengshan Island have been cautious about overexposing the site, urging visitors to respect its fragile state. Tourism has brought new opportunities to the region, with local bed-and-breakfasts thriving just outside the village. Yet within Houtouwan itself, tranquillity remains vital.
