In a shocking move, Chinese authorities have destroyed a ramshackle 10-storey home that had become a tourist attraction in south-western China. The structure, built by Chen Tianming, was torn down in just hours, leaving nothing but a single storey of the original stone bungalow. It's a significant loss, as the home had become a unique part of the village's landscape.

Chen Tianming, a 43-year-old villager, had spent about 200,000 yuan ($29,000) over eight years to convert his family home into an unlikely tourist attraction in the village of Xingyi in Guizhou province. The structure was held together by bamboo scaffolding. It was likened to the intricately detailed, whimsical worlds created by Japanese animator and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki. This comparison isn't surprising, given the structure's unique design and character.

The authorities in Guizhou province had long threatened to remove the multi-storey structure, citing a lack of building permits and safety concerns. Chen's home village of Xingyi was mostly demolished in 2018 to make way for a tourist resort. However, Chen's family refused to leave. As the resort's construction faltered, Chen began building his home higher and higher in defiance of demolition threats by authorities. He didn't back down, even when faced with opposition.

I don't feel regret, because regret is useless.

I also don't blame myself for failing to protect it – it's just that the force driving its destruction was simply too powerful. Chen told the AFP news agency. He's clear about his feelings on the matter.

In August 2024, authorities labelled Chen's home an illegal construction, and he was ordered to destroy everything except the original bungalow. On 18 May, Xingyi officials issued a final notice ordering Chen's family to leave by 9am on Wednesday. After the deadline, local law enforcement and public security bureau officials escorted Chen and his parents away from his home. They confiscated his phone and held him in custody as his home was demolished. Chen couldn't do anything to stop it.

Chen, who filmed the aftermath showing piles of building materials scattered around where the towering structure once stood, is now seeking legal help to have the forced demolition designated illegal. Then I will have a chance to restore it, he said. He's determined to take action.

The village of Xingyi, where Chen's home was located, is known for its otherworldly mountain landscapes. The region has been a popular destination for tourists, with many drawn to its natural beauty. However, the demolition of Chen's home has raised questions about the balance between development and preservation of unique cultural attractions. It's a complex issue, and there aren't easy answers.

As Chen seeks legal recourse, the story of his home has sparked a wider discussion about the role of local authorities in preserving cultural heritage. The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by individuals who dare to challenge the status quo and create something unique in the face of overwhelming opposition. They're often met with resistance, and it can't be easy.

  • The 10-storey home was built over 8 years at a cost of $29,000.
  • The structure was likened to Studio Ghibli's whimsical worlds.
  • Authorities cited a lack of building permits and safety concerns for the demolition.
  • Chen's family refused to leave their village when it was demolished in 2018.
  • The tourist resort planned for the area has faltered in its construction. These facts provide context for the story.

The story of Chen Tianming's home serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and determination in the face of adversity. Though his home is gone, Chen's spirit remains unbroken, and his quest for justice has just begun. He won't give up, and that's a fact.