{"id":1701,"date":"2011-09-03T03:55:58","date_gmt":"2011-09-02T19:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mdnphoto.com\/blog\/?p=1701"},"modified":"2011-09-03T03:55:58","modified_gmt":"2011-09-02T19:55:58","slug":"the-ordos-real-estate-bubble-an-empty-chinese-metropolis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/2011\/09\/03\/the-ordos-real-estate-bubble-an-empty-chinese-metropolis\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ordos Real Estate Bubble: An Empty Chinese Metropolis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china01.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china01.jpg\" alt=\"Two workers walk along a megablock development in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Two workers walk along a megablock development in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"950\" height=\"633\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"paragraph\">\n<p>The arid landscape around Ordos was never a forgiving place. Its remoteness and lack of ground water always kept growth in check. Now the Inner Mongolian mining center produces a third of China\u2019s coal and the municipal government decided to use the extra revenues to literally build an entire new city. Located 25 kilometers west of the old town, the Kangbashi\/\u5eb7\u5df4\u4ec0 new district sports a museum, opera house, library, cultural center, sculpture parks, malls and endless rows of megablock housing. Designed to accomodate a population upwards to a million people, only 30,000 have decided to make the move into the newfangled developments. For now the strange new city that popped out of the sands remains largely deserted. Only a handful of locals walk amidst the abstract shapes and glass-covered malls of Kangbashi. It is one of many locations in China that point to a real estate bubble just waiting to pop.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china02.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china02.jpg\" alt=\"The new and yet to be opened museum in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"The new and yet to be opened museum in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"950\" height=\"633\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china03.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china03.jpg\" alt=\"Trees are planted in the arid soil in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Trees are planted in the arid soil in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"950\" height=\"633\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china04.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china04.jpg\" alt=\"Luxury villas line developments in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia..\" title=\"Luxury villas line developments in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia..\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplel size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china08.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china08.jpg\" alt=\"An advertisement depicts a family literally exploding with Coke in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"An advertisement depicts a family literally exploding with Coke in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplec size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china06.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china06.jpg\" alt=\"The new opera house incorporates Mongolian design elements in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"The new opera house incorporates Mongolian design elements in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntripler size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china07.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china07.jpg\" alt=\"A local peruses an overstocked and underused deparment store in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"A local peruses an overstocked and underused deparment store in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplel size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china05.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china05.jpg\" alt=\"Two security guards stand in front of a waterfront plaza in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Two security guards stand in front of a waterfront plaza in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplec size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china09.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china09.jpg\" alt=\"A bed display at an overstocked department store in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"A bed display at an overstocked department store in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntripler size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china10.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china10.jpg\" alt=\"A local poses in a boat on the man-made lake in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"A local poses in a boat on the man-made lake in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplel size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china15.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china15.jpg\" alt=\"An advertisement for a new development sports luxury cars and models in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"An advertisement for a new development sports luxury cars and models in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplec size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china12.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china12.jpg\" alt=\"A worker walks along a road in front of megablock developments in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"A worker walks along a road in front of megablock developments in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntripler size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china13.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china13.jpg\" alt=\"Workers rest in front of the impressive facade of the new museum in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Workers rest in front of the impressive facade of the new museum in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplel size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china11.jpg\" alt=\"Two massive horses rise out of the central plaza in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Two massive horses rise out of the central plaza in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplec size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china14.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china14.jpg\" alt=\"Workers assemble public sculptures in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Workers assemble public sculptures in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntripler size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china16.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china16.jpg\" alt=\"Two workers walk up a dusty road surrounded by megablock developments in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Two workers walk up a dusty road surrounded by megablock developments in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplel size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china17.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china17.jpg\" alt=\"The \"Digging for Gold Business Square\" is one of many plazas yet to be opened in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"The \"Digging for Gold Business Square\" is one of many plazas yet to be opened in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntriplec size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china18.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/20110602_ordos_kangbashi_real_estate_bubble_urban_empty_china18.jpg\" alt=\"Huge sculpture instillations dot the landscape in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" title=\"Huge sculpture instillations dot the landscape in Kangbashi, the new district of Ordos in Inner Mongolia.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligntripler size-full wp-image-1702\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The arid landscape around Ordos was never a forgiving place. Its remoteness and lack of ground water always kept growth in check. Now the Inner Mongolian mining center produces a third of China\u2019s coal and the municipal government decided to use the extra revenues to literally build an entire new city. Located 25 kilometers west [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6,7],"tags":[79,124,141,215,230,302,324,411],"class_list":["post-1701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-architecture_category","category-counterfeit_paradises_category","category-development_category","tag-china","tag-development","tag-economics","tag-inner-mongolia","tag-kangbashi","tag-ordos","tag-real-estate","tag-urban"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1701"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1701\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matthewniederhauser.com\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}