Homeowner Who Refused To Relocate Now Lives In The Middle Of A Motorway

Huang Ping, a resident of Jinxi, a town southwest of Shanghai, is living a cautionary tale that has captured the attention of many. A few years ago, he was presented with a generous offer from the Chinese government to sell his two-story house, along with three other properties, for the construction of a new motorway. However, Huang, hoping for an even better deal, rejected the offer, unaware that this defiant decision would soon leave him isolated.

The government’s offer to Huang included 1.6 million yuan ($220,700) and multiple properties, a proposal that was later sweetened to include three additional homes. But Huang, perhaps overestimating his bargaining power, held out for more. In the end, the government simply opted to build the motorway around his property, leaving him a reluctant inhabitant of what has now become a “nail house” — an infamous symbol of resistance against state-mandated property acquisition.

“If I could turn back time, I would agree to the demolition conditions they offered,” Huang confessed to reporters. “Now it feels like I lost a big bet, I regret it a bit.” Huang’s regret is palpable, as he lives with his 11-year-old grandson in a house that now stands in the middle of a soon-to-be bustling highway.

Huang’s current living situation is less than ideal. To leave his home, he must pass through a concrete pipe, as the surrounding construction has cut off all other exits. Most of his time is spent away from the chaos of the construction site, but with the impending completion of the motorway, Huang fears the situation will only worsen. The noise from the passing traffic, with the roof of his house level with the highway, is expected to be unbearable when the road is fully operational in the spring.

For now, Huang’s nail house has become a quirky tourist attraction, its unusual location making it a curiosity for visitors. However, the attention only serves as a reminder of Huang’s fateful decision and his growing regret.

The story of Huang Ping is not unique — several homeowners have faced similar fates after refusing to sell their properties, finding themselves stranded in the middle of new roads, their stubbornness ultimately costing them dearly.

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