Abandoned Villages You Can Actually Stay in Overnight

9. Houtouwan, China

Tucked away on China’s Shengshan Island in the East China Sea, Houtouwan is what happens when nature takes back the land. Once home to over 2,000 fishermen and their families, the village was abandoned in the 1990s due to dwindling resources and isolation. Now, it’s an emerald ghost town—homes and buildings smothered in thick vines, mist rolling through the alleys, and silence so deep you can hear the ocean breathe. While traditional lodging is scarce, travelers can camp along the lush hiking trails leading in and out of the village or stay in simple local guesthouses in nearby settlements. At night, the coastal skies explode with stars. Add the soundtrack of crashing waves and the whisper of leaves, and it’s the kind of surreal, dreamlike experience that stays with you long after you leave. Pro Tip: Boats to Shengshan Island leave from Shanghai or Ningbo, but schedules can vary. Pack light and waterproof—this region can get humid and foggy.