In a striking example of China’s “nail houses,” a term for properties whose owners refuse demolition, Huang Ping’s two-story home in Jinxi County now stands isolated amidst a newly built motorway. Despite being offered £180,000 and two alternative properties by the local government, the Chinese man declined the relocation package, expressing dissatisfaction with the terms.
As construction progressed, a Chinese man’s home became enveloped by the roadway, subjecting him and his 11-year-old grandson to constant dust, noise, and vibrations. Reflecting on his choice, Huang admitted, “If I could turn back time, I would agree to the demolition conditions they offered. Now it feels like I lost a big bet.”
The phenomenon of “nail houses” is not uncommon in China, where rapid urban development often clashes with homeowners’ desires to remain in their residences. In such cases, authorities sometimes proceed with construction projects, building around the existing structures. Huang’s situation has attracted local attention, with residents visiting to witness the unusual sight of a house encircled by a motorway.
As the motorway nears completion, the Chinese man faces an uncertain future, contemplating the challenges of living amid the bustling traffic he once sought to avoid.