Houtouwan is an abandoned fishing village on Shengshan Island (Shengsi archipelago, Zhejiang), about 64 km east of Shanghai. Nature reclaimed the empty houses in a few decades: walls, roofs, and staircases now sit under a dense carpet of ivy — one of the world’s greenest ghost settlements.
Can you visit? Yes. Plan a full day: door-to-door travel is typically 3–4 hours each way by bus/taxi plus ferry. Viewing platforms cost about ¥20 (~$3). Summer shows the densest greenery. Stay on marked paths — do not enter unstable houses.
How to get to Houtouwan from Shanghai
Reach Shengshan via ferry combined with buses or taxis. Exact terminals and connections change with season and weather — confirm ferry and coach times the day before you go. Budget 3–4 hours each way door-to-door.
- Land leg: bus or taxi from Shanghai toward Shengsi / Shengshan ferry links (often with a transfer).
- Ferry: crossing to Shengshan Island, then local transfer or walk toward the hillside village paths.
- Return: same combo in reverse; last ferries matter — do not cut it fine.
For stays near ferry connections, compare Shanghai hotels or the hotel and hostel price guide. Land transfers: bus tickets. Optional region tickets via tours and tickets; arrange travel insurance before the ferry.
Sample day-trip itinerary
Base in Shanghai for 3–7 days and dedicate one full day to the islands. Morning transfer + ferry, midday platforms and hill trails, evening return to the city.
- Morning: leave early for the ferry chain; bring water and grip shoes.
- Midday: viewing platforms (~¥20) and short loops between neighborhoods.
- Afternoon / evening: return ferry; buffer for weather delays.
Fold the day into ready plans: 3 days in Shanghai on a budget, 3 days for a couple, or 7 days in Shanghai. Broader country frame: independent China trip guide. After the island, an easy city day: Shanghai French Concession, Shanghai spa guide, or Shanghai Disneyland tips.
Costs and what to see
- Viewing platforms: about ¥20 (~$3) — best angles on the ivy carpet without entering houses.
- Hill trails: short loops between neighborhoods; nearly free walking. More thrifty ideas: free things to do guide.
- Water / informal guides: locals often sell bottles; some former residents return as guides.
- Photos: shoot from the path only. Phone prep: smartphone travel checklist.
Houtouwan before and after
Before: founded in the 1950s as a working fishing village on Shengshan Island, once home to more than 2,000 people. In the 1990s, weak transport links, trouble selling the catch, and a lack of schools pushed residents to leave. By 2002 the settlement was empty.
After: in only a few decades, wild ivy and vines wrapped walls, roofs, and staircases. The “after” scene — houses melting into green hills — is what viral photos show today (see the photo above from the tourist paths). Fragile places change fast; related reads: disappearing attractions of the world and China natural attractions guide.
Practical tips and safety
- Time: full day; check schedules the day before.
- Shoes and water: hills and damp ivy are slippery; bring water.
- Safety: paths and platforms only; buildings are unstable.
- Cash and etiquette: small notes for water and entry; tipping norms: China tipping guide.
- Packing: China solo trip checklist (VPN/translator, offline maps). Eco rule of thumb: eco-travel checklist — pack out trash, stay on marked paths.
Flights into the hub: flights to Shanghai. eSIM for maps: China eSIM. Budget tool: trip budget calculator. Seasonality context: best months to travel guide. Continue with China regional food guide, China beach vacation guide, or the AlpacaBag route library.
Build a Shanghai itinerary with a Houtouwan day
Fold the Shengshan ferry into a Shanghai or East China trip. Compare flights and hotels, then generate your plan.
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FAQ
Is it possible to visit Houtouwan?
Yes. The abandoned village on Shengshan Island is open to visitors via marked paths and paid viewing platforms. Former residents sometimes work as informal guides or sell water on site. Do not enter derelict houses — roofs and staircases can collapse.
How do you get to Houtouwan from Shanghai?
Most travelers combine a bus or taxi to a ferry terminal (often via Shengsi / Shengshan) with a ferry to the island. Door-to-door travel usually takes 3–4 hours each way. Check ferry and bus schedules the day before — they change with weather and season. Plan a full day.
How much is entry and when is the best time to go?
Tourist viewing platforms cost about ¥20 (around $3). Summer is best when the ivy carpet is densest; spring and autumn are still scenic but greener peaks in summer. Bring cash for water and small fees.
Can you enter the houses?
No. Most buildings are unstable. Stay on marked paths and platforms; do not climb roofs for photos. It is unsafe and damages the site.
Are there tour guides at Houtouwan?
There is no large formal visitor center, but some former residents return daily as informal guides or to sell drinking water. You can visit independently on the hillside trails and platforms.
Where is Houtouwan on the map?
On Shengshan Island in the Shengsi archipelago (Zhejiang Province), about 64 km east of Shanghai. Search maps for Houtouwan / Shengshan Island / Shengsi.
How does AlpacaBag help plan a Houtouwan day trip?
The AI planner folds a ferry day into a Shanghai or East China itinerary, stitches logistics, and exports a packing checklist plus PDF. Start from ready Shanghai routes and refine in the wizard.