Houtouwan Village, located on Shengshan Island off China’s eastern coast, has transformed from a forgotten place into a tourist magnet.
This ancient fishing village, part of the Shengsi Archipelago, once flourished with over 3,000 residents in the 1980s. However, its remote and hard-to-reach location led to its decline in the 1990s, as residents began moving away. By 2002, the village was merged with a nearby settlement.
From a “Ghost Village” to a Popular Tourist Spot
For years, Houtouwan was nearly forgotten, but it gained newfound attention when mesmerizing photos of the village spread across social media. This surge in popularity raised concerns among local officials regarding the sudden influx of visitors.
“Our phone lines were overwhelmed, and the number of tourists to Houtouwan keeps increasing,” said Chen Bo, an official from Shengshan Island.
“Houtouwan is not yet equipped to accommodate tourists. We hope visitors will respect the tranquility of the village,” Chen added.
After two years of planning, Houtouwan has started to leverage its potential for tourism development while retaining much of its raw charm.
For $3, tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the village from afar, while an $8 ticket grants access to explore the village itself. Visitors are advised to heed warning signs outside dilapidated houses to avoid risks associated with unsafe structures.
The newfound fame of Houtouwan has boosted tourism on Shengshan Island, leading to the growth of accommodations and dining services to cater to the growing number of visitors. Local reports indicate the village welcomed 90,000 tourists in 2021, generating $470,000 in revenue for the island.
Today, Houtouwan has become a popular weekend getaway destination for Shanghai residents.
The Shengsi Archipelago, located about 40 miles from Shanghai, is the only officially designated national scenic area among China’s archipelagos. Situated at the easternmost edge of the country with over 400 small islands, the area boasts one of the largest fish farms in China and is a favored weekend retreat for Shanghai residents.
The Journey to Houtouwan
The best time to visit Houtouwan is summer, when lush vegetation is in full bloom. However, reaching the village requires navigating multiple stages of travel.
Ferries connect mainland China to Gouqi Island, from where visitors can cross a small bridge to Shengshan Island.
- From Shanghai:
A daily ferry departs from Shanghai’s Shenjiawan Dock at 9:25 AM. To catch the ferry, tourists must purchase tickets and board a bus at 7:15 AM from the Nanpu Bridge Tourism Center in Shanghai. The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours, followed by a 3.5-hour ferry journey. After arriving at Gouqi Island, tourists can take a taxi to Houtouwan Village. - From Zhejiang Province:
Another ferry departs from Zhoushan Shenjiamen Ban Shengdong Dock in Zhejiang at 7:45 AM to Gouqi Island. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance due to limited availability.
For overnight stays, tourists can book round-trip tickets and arrange taxi transportation through their hotels or lodgings.
Houtouwan Village is now a captivating blend of history and nature, offering visitors a glimpse into a serene, otherworldly landscape.
