Ocean Flower Island: Exploring China's Abandoned Artificial Island

What China Doesn’t Want You to See About Its $25B Man-Made Island

Destination:ChinaProvince:GuangdongCity:Haikou
What China Doesn’t Want You to See About Its $25B Man-Made Island
Cori Ander 2025-06-1925 min

In 2020, the world’s largest artificial island was opened in China. Built at a cost of almost 25 billion US dollars, Ocean Flower Island was meant to attract international tourists from all over the world. Curious, I decided to check out the archipelago consisting of three independent islands myself. But what I found stood in stark contrast to what Ocean Flower Island, also known as Haidua / Haihuadao Island, was originally supposed to be. Instead of a bustling tourist hub, Ocean Flower Island now sits mostly unfinished or abandoned. In this vlog, I’ll take you around the main island and one of the residential areas, which today falls into the category of a ghost town. Since the project's developer, Evergrande Group, went bankrupt in 2023, I don’t know whether Ocean Flower Island will ever be completed — or if it really is a failed project. This is Part 2 of my trip to Ocean Flower Island.

--- Cori Ander
June 19, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Abandoned International Mall
  2. 02:54Civil Air Defense Shelter
  3. 04:48Abandoned Park
  4. 08:27Closed Adventure Park
  5. 09:45Theater & Sports Facilities
  6. 14:02Abandoned Playground
  7. 16:11Residential Island
  8. 20:00Ghost City
  9. 23:00Demolished Towers

More about the current video:( 16 / 19 )

What China Doesn’t Want You to See About Its $25B Man-Made Island

Ocean Flower Island, a colossal artificial island in China, costing nearly $25 billion, promised to be a global tourist attraction. However, Cori Ander's exploration reveals a starkly different reality: unfinished structures and abandoned areas. The island, also known as Haidua or Haihuadao Island, stands as a testament to the failed ambitions of its developer, Evergrande Group, which went bankrupt in 2023. This video offers a captivating glimpse into the island's ghost town atmosphere, showcasing abandoned malls, parks, and residential areas. The footage explores the contrast between the island's intended purpose and its current state, leaving viewers to ponder its uncertain future.

Ocean Flower Island: Exploring China's Abandoned Artificial Island

In 2020, the world’s largest artificial island was opened in China. Built at a cost of almost 25 billion US dollars, Ocean Flower Island was meant to attract international tourists from all over the world. Curious, I decided to check out the archipelago consisting of three independent islands...

Attractions in this video: Ocean Flower Island