HoutouwanHoutouwan sits on the sheltered northern shore of Shengshan Island and was once a small but busy fishing community; today its rows of concrete houses are largely overtaken by plants, creating the distinctive green-blanketed appearance that draws photographers and day-trippers.
The village was established in the 1950s and at its height housed more than 2,000 fishermen in about 500 homes; by the 1990s residents left for better links to education and jobs and the village was effectively depopulated by 2002, although a few people were recorded working there again by 2015.
Visiting Houtouwan feels like walking through a reclaimed, quiet settlement: narrow lanes, stairways and terraced roofs are covered in vegetation, and the site offers coastal views from the slopes above the bay; facilities are minimal and visits are usually short, mostly for photography and a look at the unusual sight of nature reclaiming a village.
- Vegetation-covered houses: Rows of concrete homes with roofs and facades swallowed by grasses and vines form the village’s most photographed scenes.
- Bay and shoreline: The small bay and shoreline below the village show fishing boats and the island coast against open sea views.
- Ridge viewpoints: Paths above the village give panoramic vantage points for photographing the whole settlement and the surrounding sea.
- Village lanes and stairways: Narrow alleys and steps winding through the overgrown houses reveal the scale and layout of the former community.
- Signs of local life: A few former residents and workers sometimes return to tend the area or work there, offering glimpses of continuing life.
Nearby Attractions to Houtouwan#
Best Time to Visit Houtouwan#
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting; summer has the most rain and possible storms, and winter is quieter but cooler.
Weather & Climate near Houtouwan#
Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1075 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 49 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| February | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 65 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| March | Acceptable | 7° - 11° | 6° | 90 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 11° - 16° | 14° | 109 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.8h |
| May | Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 116 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.6h |
| June | Good | 20° - 24° | 22° | 146 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.9h |
| July | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 92% | 5.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.8h |
| August | Excellent | 24° - 29° | 27° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| September | Very Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 138 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 17° - 22° | 20° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.3h |
| November | Good | 13° - 17° | 15° | 61 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.5h |
| December | Good | 7° - 12° | 7° | 42 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.1h |
How to Get to Houtouwan#
The nearest major city and transport hub is Shanghai, about 64 km west across the East China Sea; ferries and boat services connect the mainland with the Shengsi archipelago. Mainland services also operate from the Zhoushan area and other coastal ports, so check departure ports and schedules before you travel.
Once you reach Shengshan Island by ferry or boat, follow the island’s road network toward the northern shore; the village sits below a ridge and the final approach involves a short walk down paths and steps from the road or parking area. Transport on the islands is limited - use local taxis, island buses where available, or a hired vehicle for the last stretch and expect uneven terrain on arrival.
Tips for Visiting Houtouwan#
- Wear sturdy shoes for steep, uneven stone steps and slippery paths among plants.
- Bring water and snacks because there are few services on-site and facilities are limited.
- Check ferry schedules and weather forecasts before you go, especially in summer when heavy rain and storms are more likely.
- Respect private property and any residents working there; stick to established paths and avoid entering buildings unless access is clearly permitted.