These Abandoned Places Have Been Taken Over By Plants

When nature takes over

The abandoned places on this list are beautiful examples of what happens when we let nature take full control. Feast your eyes on these incredible overgrown ruins and historic sites.

Houtouwan

Origins

Houtouwan is an old fishing village in the east of Shanghai, China that used to be home to over 2,000 fishermen.

Once a thriving community, the area was abandoned in the 1990s as people sought out better employment and educational opportunities in the mainland.

Houtouwan, China's ghost fishing village swallowed by nature

Tada Images, Shutterstock

Houtouwan

Features

The village features traditional Chinese-style architecture mostly constructed with brick and stone. Since its abandonment, the buildings have been almost completely swallowed up by greenery, particularly moss and ivy.

Landscape photo of houses covered with plants in Houtouwan China

Dāvis Kļaviņš, Flickr

Houtouwan

Today

Despite the village being completely overrun by plants, there are still a handful of people who reside in Houtouwan today. The site also receives many tourists seeking an otherworldly experience.

Panorama photo of houses covered with plants in Houtouwan China

Dāvis Kļaviņš, Flickr

Chapelle de l'Ange au Violon

Origins

The Chapelle de l'Ange au Violon is historic chapel in the south of France. Constructed in 1885, it is a marvel of Gothic architecture—but some decades ago, it was abandoned by its owner, and the reason remains a mystery.

Photo of Abandoned Chapel covered with plants

Antoine Chapuy, Flickr