![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/TRAVEL-Houtouwan-4909579.jpg?r=1692090382128\")
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An abandoned village in China has become an unlikely tourist attraction after its overgrown appearance captured global attention.<\/p>\n
Houtouwan on Shengshan Island, part of China\u2019s Shengsi Archipelago, looks like something out of a fairytale. The former fishing village was officially depopulated in 2002.<\/p>\n
The village was once a prosperous place and had more than 3,000 residents in the 1980s. However, people started to leave in the 90s due to its remote location.<\/p>\n
In the years since, the empty houses in the cliffside location have been taken over by lush greenery, creating an enchanted effect.<\/p>\n
When photos of the abandoned village went viral in 2015, Shengsi\u2019s mysterious ghost town caught global attention.<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> Scottish destination could bring in cruise ship restrictions<\/strong><\/p>\n At the time, officials struggled to cope with the influx of tourists with one saying: \u201cOur telephone lines are jammed and we are getting more tourists to Houtouwan.<\/p>\n \u201cHoutouwan of Shengshan hasn\u2019t been equipped with the conditions to open to tourists\u2026we urge visitors to preserve its tranquillity for now.\u201d<\/p>\n However, in 2017 the area started to prepare for tourists and a viewing platform opened offering a glimpse of the village.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Tourists can also hike around Houtouwan but aren\u2019t allowed to enter the empty houses as many of the structures aren\u2019t secure.<\/p>\n In 2021, a whopping 90,000 tourists visited the village, creating a new tourist boom for Shengshan island.<\/p>\n The village is only around 40 miles from Shanghai, making it a popular weekend trip from the Chinese city.<\/p>\n The majority of tourists visit in summer as that\u2019s when the views are most striking with the greenery in full bloom.<\/p>\n Abandoned villages have captured attention for years and a ghost town in Italy is one of the most popular spots.<\/p>\n If abandoned villages aren\u2019t quite your style, why not visit the world\u2019s most beautiful village or check out a gorgeous seaside town?<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/TRAVEL-Houtouwan-4909581.jpg?r=1692090382248\")
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