China’s forgotten village overtaken by nature

Like something from a fairytale, the abandoned Houtouwan village on Shengshan Island in the Shengsi Archipelago off China’s eastern coast has recently gained viral attention, becoming an unexpected travel destination.

Houtouwan was once a bustling fishing community, with a population exceeding 3,000 in the 1980s. However, due to its isolated and difficult-to-reach location, its residents began leaving in the 1990s.

By 2002, the village was officially abandoned and integrated into a nearby settlement.

Decades of neglect have allowed nature to reclaim the village, with vacant homes—some still containing furniture—now covered by a thick layer of verdant vines and climbing plants.

A deserted village becomes a tourist attraction

Houtouwan rose to prominence in 2015 when a collection of stunning photographs of the village circulated widely on the internet, capturing the attention of Chinese netizens.

Rather than embracing the village’s newfound fame, officials in the Shengsi Archipelago expressed concerns over the potential consequences of the increasing influx of tourists.

“Our phone lines are overwhelmed, and we’re seeing more tourists flocking to Houtouwan,” said Chen Bo, an official from Shengshan Island, in an official statement at the time.

“Houtouwan on Shengshan isn’t yet fully prepared for tourist visits… We ask travelers to help preserve its peacefulness for the time being.”

But now, it’s somewhat ready for visitors. Sort of.

Hiking in Houtouwan

After over two years of planning, Houtouwan – while still relatively off the beaten path – has taken steps to manage and capitalize on the surge of visitors.

Houtouwan’s rise to fame has boosted the tourism sector on Shengshan Island.

New bed-and-breakfasts have sprung up across the island – though not within the village itself.

A favorite weekend getaway from Shanghai

The Shengsi Archipelago, located about 40 miles from Shanghai, is the only archipelago in China officially designated as a National Scenic Area.

With over 400 islets, the archipelago is a favored weekend destination for those traveling from Shanghai.

Shengshan, the easternmost island, and nearby Gouqi Island are both well-known for their seafood offerings.

It is home to one of the largest fish farms in China.

How to reach the village

The best time to experience the village is during the summer when the vegetation is at its peak.

Reaching Houtouwan is not a simple journey. There are limited ferry services connecting mainland China to Gouqi Island, which is linked to Shengshan Island by a short bridge.

One ferry departs daily from Shanghai’s Shenjiawan Pier at 9:25 a.m. Visitors must purchase their tickets and take the 7:15 a.m. bus from Shanghai Nanpu Bridge Tourism Centre to catch the ferry.

The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours, and the ferry journey lasts around hours. It will drop you at Gouqi Island, from where you can take a local taxi to reach Houtouwan.

Another ferry departs from Zhoushan Shenjiamen Banshengdong Dock at 7:45 a.m., heading to Gouqi Island.

It is advisable to book tickets in advance, as availability is limited.

Overnight guests can pre-book their return tickets and taxi rides through their hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.