Làng Chài Houtouwan: Nơi Thiên Nhiên Chiếm Lĩnh Dần Dần

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{
"title": "Houtouwan Fishing Village: Where Nature Takes Over",
"excerpt": "Discover Houtouwan, a fishing village where nature is gradually reclaiming the landscape. Get tips on how to reach this hidden gem and what to expect for an unforgettable visit.",
"content": "

Exploring the Abandoned Fishing Village

Tucked away on a small island in China, Houtouwan is a fishing village slowly being reclaimed by nature. The ancient houses are now draped in thick vines, blending their rooftops with the lush green hills. Located on Shengshan Island, about 40 miles east of Shanghai, Houtouwan has become one of the most photographed ghost towns in the world.

Once home to around 2,000 to 3,000 residents, today no one calls this place home. Houtouwan draws visitors in with its stunning view of nature gradually taking over the living space, creating an air of mystery and allure. If you've ever wondered what happens when people abandon a place, Houtouwan offers one of the most striking and peculiar answers.

Nature's Revival of the Fishing Village

As you approach the hilltop overlooking Houtouwan, the first thing that strikes you is the vibrant colors. Everything is lush and green. Vines and plants sprawl across the old houses, sometimes making it difficult to distinguish between the hillside and the buildings. Green moss softens the steps, while ferns push through the cracks in the concrete.

The scenery is not frightening; rather, it leaves you in awe. You can wander along the narrow paths between the dilapidated structures, though you'll need to be cautious due to the rugged terrain. For the best photographs, the ideal time to visit is between 7 and 9 AM, when the mist envelops the ruins and the greenery is at its most vibrant. By midday, the contrast seems to fade.

The peculiarity of Houtouwan lies in its density. This is not just a few ruins with some weeds; it's a fully-fledged village—dozens of buildings all tightly clustered and cloaked in dense greenery. The old school still has textbooks visible through the windows, now shrouded in moss. Cracked steps near the coast lead down toward the sea, giving a sense that this place is still alive.

A Journey from a Fishing Community to a Silent Street

Houtouwan began to take shape in the 1950s as a fishing village on Shengshan Island, part of the Shengsi archipelago with nearly 400 small islands off the coast of Zhejiang Province. The East China Sea right at its doorstep kept the village bustling with fishing activities for decades. Boats filled with fish would dock at the small harbor, while families crowded into the concrete homes lining the hillside.

By the 1980s, the village reached its peak population. However, things began to decline afterward. Depleting fish stocks forced residents to venture further out to sea to make a living. The island's remoteness made everything more challenging, from shopping to getting children to school. Gradually, families started leaving Houtouwan in search of better opportunities in larger cities. By the early 2000s, no one was left in Houtouwan. The last residents departed, and soon after, vegetation began to climb over everything.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

To reach Houtouwan, you can take a ferry from Shengsi County and then cross over to Shengshan Island. The number of visitors is steadily increasing, and nearby Gouqi Island now offers accommodations. However, in Houtouwan, there are no shops, clean water, or activities other than strolling and taking photos. If you make this trip, you won't find the usual ruins. In fact, the place feels like a village caught in time, with buildings still standing but slowly merging into the surrounding greenery. It's a beauty that is both strange and captivating.

For an amazing experience and to avoid getting lost, make sure to wear good grip shoes and prepare yourself for an adventure exploring the remnants of this mysterious village.

Article referenced and edited from: Touropia

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}
```