China's Ghost Cities: A Modern Phenomenon

TLDRDiscover the eerie and surreal world of China's ghost cities, vast urban areas filled with empty buildings and no inhabitants. Photographer Samuel Stevenson Yang documents the scale of this phenomenon, while Wade Shepard provides insight into the reasons behind their construction. These cities represent a unique experiment in urban planning and economic growth, but also pose potential risks and challenges.

Key insights

🏢China's ghost cities are sprawling urban areas filled with empty buildings and no inhabitants.

📸Photographer Samuel Stevenson Yang documents the sheer scale of empty property throughout the country.

🌃The neon lights of these ghost cities are on, but nobody is living there.

🌆China's mass construction phase has led to the creation of bigger and more elaborate empty cities.

💼The population of these ghost cities depends on their ability to create jobs and attract residents.

Q&A

How many properties are estimated to be empty in China?

It is difficult to say, but some estimates suggest it could be as high as 64 million.

What is the purpose behind creating these ghost cities?

These cities are part of China's mass construction phase and are intended to fuel economic growth and urban development.

Are these ghost cities inhabited at all?

Some of these cities are still awaiting inhabitants, while others have started filling up due to government incentives and investment.

What risks do these empty cities pose?

The construction of these cities has been financed by a significant amount of debt, which could potentially become a burden in the future.

Are there similar ghost city phenomena in other countries?

While China's ghost cities are unique in their scale, there have been instances of vacant urban areas in other countries as well.

Timestamped Summary

00:00China's ghost cities are vast urban areas filled with empty buildings and no inhabitants.

00:15Photographer Samuel Stevenson Yang documents the scale of empty property across China.

01:00The construction of these ghost cities started in the early 2000s and continues to this day.

01:30These cities are often characterized by tall skyscrapers and a sense of emptiness.

02:10Some of these ghost cities have started to attract residents, while others are still awaiting inhabitants.

02:35The construction rates in China far exceed the foreseeable demand, leading to the creation of these empty cities.

02:50The population of these cities depends on their ability to create jobs and attract people.

03:00However, the financing of these ghost cities through debt raises concerns about potential risks and economic instability.