Located about 40 miles southeast of Shanghai, on Shengshan Island in the Shengsi archipelago in Hangzhou Bay, China, Houtouwan was once a bustling fishing village.

In the 1980s, Houtouwan was home to over 3,000 fishermen and their families. Their livelihood thrived on the fishing industry. The increasing number of reinforced concrete houses in the village earned it the nickname "Little Taiwan".

However, by the 1990s, due to its remote location and difficult accessibility, coupled with increasing competition from nearby Shanghai, residents gradually moved to the mainland in search of better opportunities.

A house covered in vines in Houtouwan village. Photo: 360doc

By 2002, the village was officially abandoned and merged with a neighboring village. The abandoned houses fell into disrepair, and nature began to reclaim the area, covering the buildings with blankets of vines and weeds.

Some houses have collapsed walls or roofs, while others are enveloped in lush green vines and grass. Winding dirt paths connect the abandoned houses and an old fishing port. Inside some of the houses, visitors can find decaying household items and furniture.

Today, fewer than 10 people live in Houtouwan. Instead of fishing, they now guide tourists and sell drinks, the only commodity sold in the village.

The village gained fame on Chinese social media in 2015 when stunning photos of the nature-reclaimed landscape went viral. The mystical beauty of Houtouwan, especially in foggy weather, makes it look like something out of a fairy tale.

By 2017, the authorities implemented some measures to manage and exploit tourism. An observation deck was built, allowing visitors a panoramic view of the village from afar for an entrance fee of about 3 USD. Visitors can also explore the village on foot for about 8 USD. Warning signs are placed outside dilapidated houses to ensure safety.

In 2021, Houtouwan reportedly welcomed 90,000 visitors, generating about 3.3 million CNY (approximately 470,000 USD) in revenue for Shengshan Island. The village's popularity has also boosted tourism on the island, with the emergence of many guesthouses and small hotels in neighboring areas.

A visitor at Houtouwan village in 2021. Photo: 360doc

On the Chinese online blog platform 360doc, the account "Dream Seeker" described their 2021 visit as "a stroll through a green world".

In summer, the lush greenery everywhere brings a sense of peace. Countless vines cling to the houses, their dense leaves covering the walls like a thick green blanket.

"This green blanket continues to grow each year, with a different beauty each season," they shared.

According to CNN, the ideal time to visit Houtouwan is during summer when the vegetation is at its peak, and the village appears at its most vibrant. However, due to limited ferry services, visitors need to book tickets in advance. Those wishing to stay overnight can book rooms at guesthouses in neighboring villages, as Houtouwan has no accommodation.

Hoai Anh (According to CNN, National Geographic, 360doc)