Inside China’s $100 Billion Empty Megacity
A traveler explores China's $100 billion empty ghost city, Shenfu New Town, experiencing unexpected hospitality, wild ferry rides, and surreal urban abandonment
From Beijing’s communist pins to Yantai’s wild hospitality, Small Brained American’s journey to China’s $100 billion ghost city is a rollercoaster of beer, cigarettes, and genuine human connection. The empty megacity Shenfu New Town reveals the paradox of China’s development, where futuristic buildings stand abandoned yet locals are incredibly warm.
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Shenfu New Town: Inside China's $100 Billion Ghost City
Embark on an exploration of China's colossal, yet seemingly deserted, megacity. This video delves into the sheer scale and ambition behind this $100 billion project, questioning the purpose and reality of such an immense urban development. Prepare to be captivated by the stark beauty and intriguing emptiness of this modern marvel.
Attractions in this video: Shenfu New Town, Ring Of Life, Dalian Russian Village, Yantai Lighthouse, Yellow Sea Ferry
Small Brained American kicks off his journey in Beijing, grabbing communist pins and hats to blend in. He and his friends board a bullet train to Yantai, a coastal city where they hide their luggage in a bush—a gamble that pays off thanks to incredibly friendly locals. In Yantai, they are showered with free drinks, cigarettes, and a meal at a restaurant that opens three hours early just for them. The group gets drunk, breaks a glass, and spends a mere $30 for hours of entertainment. Small Brained American marvels at the warmth of the Chinese people, a stark contrast to media portrayals.
Next, they take a seven-hour overnight ferry to Dalian, where the cheap third-class cabin feels like a prison but costs only $40. Onboard, they bond with strangers over baijiu and cigarettes, and the traveler notes the Chinese habit of not refrigerating drinks. In Dalian, they explore a bizarre Russian-themed village, buying Russian cigarettes and vodka before heading to Shenyang. A $55 hotel room on the 23rd floor feels like a luxury after the ferry.
The final destination is Shenfu New Town, a $100 billion ghost city built for a million people but largely empty. Small Brained American explains the economics behind China's ghost cities—property as investment, lack of jobs. They wander past unfinished buildings and the massive Ring of Life structure, encountering only a few locals. The video ends with a sense of awe at the surreal emptiness, a symbol of China's extreme development disparities.
