There’s something about abandoned buildings, such as Nagasaki’s famed “Battleship Island,” and the ghost skyscraper in Bangkok, that is so creepy and mysterious that we just can’t get enough of them. One Shanghai-based photographer recently journeyed out to the nearby Zhoushan Archipelago to document the remains of a once-prospering fishing village, now abandoned and being consumed by nature.
Photographer Jane Qing set her sights on Gouqi Island, one of 394 islands that make up the Zhoushan Archipelago at the mouth of the Yangtze River in Eastern China.
▼ Who knew there were hundreds of tiny islands off the coast of Shanghai!?
Before the introduction of ship manufacturing, tourism and other industries, the area relied solely on fishing. The islands were once dotted with fishing villages, but many have since been abandoned. Gouqi Island is home to many of the best-preserved abandoned villages and some, such as this one, are slowly being reclaimed by nature.
▼ How long ago did the last fisherman walk down these steps?
▼ The buildings are getting some great camouflage going.
▼ Some houses are almost completely consumed.
▼ Don’t you want to get out there and explore the empty streets and ivy-covered homes?
▼ What do you suppose this used to be?
▼ This looks almost majestic.
▼ This could easily be a scene from a storybook.
▼ Pack your bags, we want to visit too.
While Gouqi Island is full of long abandoned villages, many of the other islands in the archipelago are prospering under new industries, yet fishing is still an important factor in the lives of its one million residents. If you find yourself in Shanghai, consider taking a trip out here. You might not be able to make it the abandoned Gouqi Island, but the surrounding area, such as the Shengsi Islands, are gaining popularity as tourist destinations. Who knows, there may be some empty villages around there too!
Sources: Bored Panda, Amusing Planet
Images: Google Maps, Jane Qing via Bored Panda
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
A letter from our reporter’s deceased mother arrives at just the right time
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
This historical Kyoto zen garden is hosting a guitar and beatbox concert
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]