Inside China’s $25B Ghost Island (Rent is $50)... I Was Shocked!

Can you believe you can live in a sea-view apartment for just $50 a month? 🌊 Welcome to Ocean Flower Island (Haihua Island) in Hainan, China.
This is the world's largest artificial island, built at a staggering cost of $160 billion. Despite the luxury infrastructure, it has become a haven for budget travelers, retirees from the north, and young people looking to "lie flat."
In this video, I take you on a tour of this massive project. With over 400 apartment buildings, rents here are incredibly cheap. I’ll show you the $50 apartment, explore the quiet streets, and share the reality of living here—from the humid weather to the lack of nightlife.
📍 Location & Transport:
Flight: Fly to Hainan Haikou Meilan International Airport.
Train: Take the High-Speed Rail from the airport to Danzhou Station.
Final Leg: From Danzhou station, take a rideshare (DiDi/Taxi) to "Island No. 2."
Cost: The taxi ride is about $2 - $3 (approx. 20 RMB). Just tell the driver which building number you are going to.
🏠 The Apartments:
The island has skyscrapers up to 30 floors high. Units range from 22m², 46m², to duplex lofts. Most residents are budget-conscious travelers. It is extremely quiet at night—perfect for deep sleep.
🍜 Food & Living:
Dining: You can find KFC, Shaxian Snacks, Braised Pork Rice, and Lanzhou Noodles.
Tip: Ordering delivery is cheaper than eating out at restaurants.
Shopping: There are supermarkets and local wet markets available.
⚠️ Pros & Cons:
Entertainment: No KTVs, no nightlife. It is purely for relaxation and watching the sunset.
Weather: Very unpredictable. Sunny mornings can turn into stormy afternoons. It is windy but cool.
Humidity: The seaside humidity is intense. Clothes hung on the balcony might still be damp and salty the next morning.
Getting Around: Shared e-scooters are everywhere! You can rent one for just $0.50 to tour the island.
💡 Travel Tip: Visit during the off-season for the best rental prices. Avoid public holidays as prices skyrocket.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Preview
00:58 Walking on the stormy island
04:35 The apartment park in heavy rain
07:05 Rooftop tour: Viewing the island in the rain
08:29 Tour inside the $50 apartment
12:25 Walking on the coastal breakwater at sunset
15:05 Apartment building infrastructure
18:58 The island market