Stubborn Man’s Stand Leads to His House Being Surrounded by a Huge Highway

A House in the Middle of a Highway: The Story of a Man Who Refused the Buyout

In China, pensioner Huang Ping’s house ended up right in the middle of a newly built road after he refused the government’s offer to relocate. He was offered 1.6 million yuan (about 222 thousand dollars) and three new homes, but he was hoping for better terms. However, the government continued construction, bypassing his house.

Now Ping and his 11-year-old grandson live in a house surrounded by the noise of cars. The only way to the dwelling is through a pipe under the highway. The man admits that he regrets his refusal:

If I could turn back time, I would have agreed to their terms. Now I feel like I lost a big bet.

Consequences of the Decision

The construction work is so loud that the family is forced to spend most of their time in the city, returning only at night. Local residents are also concerned about possible floods during rains, as the house is located in a lowland.

This story is a reminder of the complexity of compromises between private interest and public needs. Although Ping had the right to defend his property, his decision led to daily inconveniences. Similar cases are not uncommon in China, but this one especially vividly illustrates the consequences of such a confrontation.