Full Breakdown
China Demolishes Ten-Storey DIY Tower in Guizhou After Prolonged Legal Standoff
5/22/2026, 9:41:36 PM
Demolition of the Ten-Storey Tower
On 20 May 2026, officials from Xingyi municipal government and the Guizhou public security bureau razed a 10-storey ramshackle structure in the village of Xingyi, Guizhou province, leaving only the original single-storey stone bungalow. The demolition followed a final notice issued two days earlier ordering the occupants to vacate.
Background and Context
Xingyi’s historic village was largely cleared in 2018 to make way for a planned tourist resort. Chen Tianming’s family refused to relocate and, over eight years, transformed their modest stone house into a pyramid-shaped tower of plywood, bamboo scaffolding, rickety staircases and balconies. Local authorities repeatedly warned that the building lacked the required permits and posed a safety hazard.
Key Figures
- Chen Tianming – 43-year-old owner who invested roughly 200,000 yuan in the tower.
- Xingyi municipal officials – Issued demolition orders and supervised the demolition.
- Guizhou public security bureau – Enforced the eviction and confiscated Chen’s phone.
- AFP news agency – Reported Chen’s statements and filmed the aftermath.
Timeline of Events
- 2018 – Majority of Xingyi cleared for resort; Chen’s family stays.
- 2018-2026 – Chen adds floors, spending ~200,000 yuan.
- Aug 2024 – Authorities label the tower illegal and order removal of all additions.
- 18 May 2026 – Final notice demands evacuation by 9 a.m. Wednesday.
- 20 May 2026 – Demolition carried out; Chen and his parents escorted away and detained.
Data and Statistics
- Height: Ten storeys (?30 m).
- Construction cost: 200,000 yuan (reported as US$29,000 and US$29,402).
- Investment period: Eight years.
- Materials: Plywood, bamboo scaffolding, makeshift staircases and balconies.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores tension between grassroots tourism initiatives and state-led development plans, raising questions about property-rights enforcement, safety regulations, and the preservation of locally created cultural attractions.
Official Statements & Responses
Local officials cited the absence of building permits and the structure’s safety risk as justification for demolition. Chen reported being held in custody, his phone confiscated, and said he would seek legal recourse to challenge the demolition’s legality.
Criticism & Opposition
Tourists and media likened the tower to the whimsical worlds of Studio Ghibli, praising its creativity. Some observers argue the demolition was heavy-handed, noting the structure had become a modest source of tourism income.
On-the-Ground Reports
Chen filmed the site after demolition, showing piles of plywood and scaffolding where the tower once stood. Video confirmed that only the original bungalow remained.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cost conversion varies between US$29,000 and US$29,402.
- No statements from higher-level provincial authorities were provided, leaving broader policy rationale unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t feel regret, because regret is useless,” — Chen Tianming, owner
- “I also don’t blame myself for failing to protect it – it’s just that the force driving its destruction was simply too powerful.” — Chen Tianming
- “Then I will have a chance to restore it,” — Chen Tianming
- “Officials have claimed for some time that the building lacked permits and was potentially dangerous.” — Local officials
What’s Next
Chen plans to pursue legal action to have the demolition declared illegal. Authorities have not announced further enforcement actions, but the case may influence future approvals for informal tourist structures in the region.
