Huang Ping, a resident of Jinxi, a town southwest of Shanghai, made headlines after refusing a generous offer from Chinese authorities to purchase his two-storey house for the construction of a new motorway.
Despite being offered 1.6 million yuan (approximately $220,700) and three replacement properties, Huang declined the deal, hoping for an even better offer, according to a Metro report.
Unfortunately for Huang, his gamble did not pay off, iInstead of continuing negotiations, the Government decided to build the motorway around his property, now, his home sits isolated in the middle of the soon-to-be-inaugurated highway, a situation that has brought him both regret and unwanted attention.
Huang’s home, now dubbed a “nail house,” has become a symbol of resistance against government-backed property acquisition in China.
While all his neighbors sold their properties and relocated, Huang’s stubbornness left him in an awkward and uncomfortable position, to leave his home, he must navigate through a concrete pipe, an inconvenience that highlights the reality of his decision.
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During the day, Huang and his 11-year-old grandson avoid the noise and chaos of the construction site by spending time in the town center, however, he fears the situation will worsen once the motorway officially opens in the spring.
The constant noise from passing vehicles, with the roof of his house at the same level as the road, is expected to make life unbearable.
“If I could turn back time, I would agree to the demolition conditions they offered,” Huang admitted in a recent interview with Chinese reporters. “Now it feels like I lost a big bet. I regret it a bit.”
His statements emphasize the importance of his mistakes, which has not only disturbed his everyday life but also drawn tourists to his unusually situated property. While some may consider the house to be a quirky attraction, Huang sees it as a daily reminder of the consequences of his actions.
Huang’s tale isn’t unique. Similar “nail houses” have grown around China throughout the years, frequently serving as symbols of protest against government projects.
However, the results are rarely advantageous to the homeowners, in many cases, their disapproval results in inconvenient and dangerous living conditions.
