BEIJING (SCMP): The owner of “Jiangxi’s most stubborn nail house” expressed regret for not selling to the government after officials chose to bypass his property, constructing the highway around his home instead.
In China, a “nail house” or ding zi hu refers to homeowners who resist eviction during urban development or property redevelopment projects.
The house, situated between the G206 highway in Jinxi county, eastern China’s Jiangxi province, was nicknamed “The Eye of Jinxi” because it resembles a pupil nestled between eyelids from a bird’s-eye view.
The “nail house” is back in the spotlight as the highway was slated to open for traffic during this year’s Spring Festival.
The construction team even facilitated a special access route for the family, who still lives in the house, allowing them to reach the outside world despite the traffic.
This development suggests that the government is unlikely to dismantle the family’s home or offer compensation, as reported by the Chinese media outlet Jiupai News.
The property owner, tofu vendor Ye Yushou, mentioned his regret over rejecting the government’s initial compensation offer of 1.6 million yuan (US$220,000) and two homesteads in 2022.
Ye told visitors live-streaming outside his house that he was demanding 2 million yuan and three homesteads instead.
The reasons behind the failed negotiations between his household and the government remain unclear.
Reports indicated that the authorities ultimately chose to demolish the homes of Ye’s three neighbours, constructing the highway around his house instead.
Ye remarked to Jiupai News: “It felt like losing a gamble.”
It was revealed that the highway, which encircles the city, spans 14km and cost a total of 460 million yuan (US$63 million) to construct.
Ye also disclosed that he spent 100,000 yuan (US$14,000) hiring a lawyer in Beijing to negotiate compensation with the government at that time.
His neighbours in the village commented that Ye “won a big prize but failed to seize the opportunity.”
Online observers noted the situation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed.
“It’s too late to cry over spilled milk,” one user remarked on Weibo.
“It teaches us the importance of quitting while we’re ahead,” another commented.
“The three neighbours, whose homes were demolished and compensated, must be quite thankful for him,” a third suggested.
Another speculated that constructing the highway around the house likely increased costs, but authorities insisted on pursuing this route to “set an example”. - South China Morning Post
