The Chinese family that built a 15-story building for its members: “They wanted to build new, independent houses”

Rising above the homes in the village of Zhuyuan, a new structure dominates the skyline as the tallest building in the area. What makes it even more remarkable than its height, which far exceeds that of the surrounding buildings, is its ownership. It was not built to welcome new residents to the village, but rather for a single family.

Four generations of the Zhou family are the sole owners of the 15-story building, a structure that surpasses the typical six-story maximum common in the area. According to Mothership, the building can house up to 100 people. Each floor is divided into two apartments, and the family currently occupies floors two through twelve.

Construction finished about ten years ago, however, the building has only recently gained attention on social media and in the press. With a footprint of just over 2,150 square feet, the building includes underground parking, a commercial space on the ground floor, elevators, and a total of 22 residential apartments.

Hallways filled with the smell of home cooking

A 70-year-old family member explained why four generations decided to live together under one roof, which first had to be built. “After each member of our family demolished their old houses, they initially wanted to build new, independent homes,” he said.

“We asked the local government for several hundred square meters of land to construct a shared building,” he added. According to him, several family members, especially the younger ones, work in cities outside Zhuyuan. The building allows them to return home whenever they need to and reunite with their relatives.

At certain times of the year, the sound of rolling suitcases echoes throughout the building. The elderly family member noted that during the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, the hallways fill with the aroma of homemade dishes drifting out of each apartment. It is a reminder that although each household lives in its own unit, the building serves as a unifying home for the entire family.