On Shengshan Island, off China’s east coast, there’s Houtouwan—a village that’s been left to nature since the early 2000s. Ever wonder what happens when people just… stop showing up? Here, the answer is a place where vines and moss have quietly taken over what used to be homes and alleyways.

Houtouwan was once a busy fishing spot, but as bigger ports and better jobs popped up on the mainland, folks moved out. Now, it’s a rare example of how fast nature can reclaim a place, and it’s even popped up in viral “abandoned places” threads online. The village is sometimes called a “real-life Last of Us” location, minus the clickers.

Best time to visit is May to September, when the weather’s mild and ferries run more often from Shanghai to Shengshan Island. From the dock, it’s a short hike up to the village—just bring good shoes and expect some steep paths.

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