What Exactly Is a Nail House?
The term „nail house“ (钉子户, dīngzihù) refers to homes whose owners refuse to sell their property to developers, even when new construction projects require their land. These homes, much like a „stubborn nail,“ remain stuck in place while the world around them changes.
Luo Baogen’s case became one of the most iconic nail house stories in China. While others took the compensation offered by the government, the Baogens felt the amount wasn’t enough to replace their home. As the highway project pushed forward, their home stood alone amidst the construction—a small defiance against a larger force.
But why did Luo Baogen hold out so long? Find out what happened on the next page!