Residential Hollowing and Its Drivers in Traditional Chinese Villages: Case Study of Wentang Village, Anhui Province

Abstract

This study investigates the vacancy of traditional dwellings in Wentang Village, Qimen County, Anhui Province, China, and explores the underlying mechanisms driving the phenomenon of hollowing out. Through field surveys, interviews, and data analysis, the study reveals that the vacancy rate of traditional dwellings in Wentang Village is as high as 73%, compared to a significantly lower rate of 18.4% for newly built houses. The findings indicate that the hollowing out of the village is driven by factors such as urbanization, shifts in agricultural production methods, and changes in family structures. The study concludes that residents have experienced a phased migration from traditional dwellings to newly built houses and subsequently to urban residences. This transition is accompanied by increasing connections between villages and cities, as well as a decline in agricultural activities, which is pushing rural labor towards non-agricultural employment.