Evergrande's "Life in Venice" complex sits as a ghost town an hour and half from Shanghai, once marketed as a luxurious resort-style development. After China's real estate bubble burst, the complex with its European-inspired architecture and canals now stands largely abandoned, with home prices plummeting by more than half.

What promised to be "the garden of Shanghai" has transformed dramatically. A three-bedroom apartment rents for just 800 yuan ($116) per month, reflecting the drastic market correction. Villas remain empty concrete husks with unused private docks as luxury aspirations gave way to economic realities.

The bargain prices attract those seeking escape from China's competitive megacities. Basic amenities like grocery stores and restaurants support residents embracing a slower pace of life. The complex offers a stark contrast to urban pressures, though winter months bring significant quiet to this once-bustling development.