Swallowed up by nature, an abandoned village in China becomes an unusual travel destination
The abandoned village of Houtuan on Qingshan Island, part of the Qingxi archipelago off the east coast of China, feels like a fairytale. Recently, the village has caused quite a stir online, and has become an unusually attractive travel destination.
Hotuan was a prosperous fishing village in the past, with a population of more than 3,000 in the 1980s.
However, its residents began to leave in the 1990s due to its remote and inaccessible location.
In 2002, the village was officially emptied of its residents, and merged with a neighboring village.
After several decades of abandonment, a blanket of lush green vegetation has taken over the empty homes in the oceanfront village.
From a ghost village to a tourist destination
Hotuan became popular among Chinese netizens in 2015, when a group of stunning photos of the abandoned village went viral.
Instead of celebrating the village's popularity, Shengsi officials were wary of the impact of the sudden surge in tourists.
An official from Xingshan Island, Chen Bo, said in an official statement at the time: “Our phone lines were busy, and we are receiving more tourists to Hotuan,” then added: “Hutuan in Xingshan is not equipped with the conditions necessary to open it to tourists.. We urge visitors to keep She is calm at the moment.”
However, the island is now somewhat ready to receive tourists.
The abandoned village of Hotuan has become an attractive travel destination. Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Hiking in the village
After more than two years of planning, Hotwan implemented some new initiatives to control sudden interest in it and generate income.
In 2017, a viewing platform opened offering an overview of the village from afar, and tickets cost $3.
Visitors can stroll around the village for $8, and signs have been put up outside the vacant homes to warn tourists of the potential danger of entering the dilapidated buildings.
The fame of Hotuan Village boosted the tourism industry on Xingshan Island.
New bed and breakfast accommodations appeared all over the island, but not within the village.
According to local news reports, the village received 90,000 visitors in 2021 and brought in 3.3 million yuan ($470,000) for the island.
A popular weekend destination in Shanghai
The Xingxi Archipelago, about 40 miles from Shanghai, is the only archipelago officially declared a National Scenic Area in China.
This archipelago of more than 400 small islands is a popular weekend getaway in Shanghai.
Shengshan is the easternmost island of the archipelago, and is famous for its seafood, just like the neighboring island of Juki.
The village is located on Xingshan Island. Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Summer is the best time to see the village, when the plants are in full bloom.
The village was abandoned due to its remote and inaccessible location. Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Source: websites
The abandoned village of Houtuan on Qingshan Island, part of the Qingxi archipelago off the east coast of China, feels like a fairytale. Recently, the village has caused quite a stir online, and has become an unusually attractive travel destination.
Hotuan was a prosperous fishing village in the past, with a population of more than 3,000 in the 1980s.
However, its residents began to leave in the 1990s due to its remote and inaccessible location.
In 2002, the village was officially emptied of its residents, and merged with a neighboring village.
After several decades of abandonment, a blanket of lush green vegetation has taken over the empty homes in the oceanfront village.
From a ghost village to a tourist destination
Hotuan became popular among Chinese netizens in 2015, when a group of stunning photos of the abandoned village went viral.
Instead of celebrating the village's popularity, Shengsi officials were wary of the impact of the sudden surge in tourists.
An official from Xingshan Island, Chen Bo, said in an official statement at the time: “Our phone lines were busy, and we are receiving more tourists to Hotuan,” then added: “Hutuan in Xingshan is not equipped with the conditions necessary to open it to tourists.. We urge visitors to keep She is calm at the moment.”
However, the island is now somewhat ready to receive tourists.
The abandoned village of Hotuan has become an attractive travel destination. Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Hiking in the village
After more than two years of planning, Hotwan implemented some new initiatives to control sudden interest in it and generate income.
In 2017, a viewing platform opened offering an overview of the village from afar, and tickets cost $3.
Visitors can stroll around the village for $8, and signs have been put up outside the vacant homes to warn tourists of the potential danger of entering the dilapidated buildings.
The fame of Hotuan Village boosted the tourism industry on Xingshan Island.
New bed and breakfast accommodations appeared all over the island, but not within the village.
According to local news reports, the village received 90,000 visitors in 2021 and brought in 3.3 million yuan ($470,000) for the island.
A popular weekend destination in Shanghai
The Xingxi Archipelago, about 40 miles from Shanghai, is the only archipelago officially declared a National Scenic Area in China.
This archipelago of more than 400 small islands is a popular weekend getaway in Shanghai.
Shengshan is the easternmost island of the archipelago, and is famous for its seafood, just like the neighboring island of Juki.
The village is located on Xingshan Island. Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Summer is the best time to see the village, when the plants are in full bloom.
The village was abandoned due to its remote and inaccessible location. Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Source: websites