Defying Convention: The Remarkable Journey of Chen Tianming's Tower Home

Chen Tianming's unconventional tower in Guizhou, China, breaks design norms and attracts attention as a symbol of resilience against demolition orders, captivating both locals and visitors alike.

In the rural landscapes of Guizhou Province, southwestern China, one man's defiance has turned a simple home into a captivating spectacle. Chen Tianming, a 43-year-old visionary, has transformed his modest dwelling into an eleven-story tower that resembles a whimsical creation from a Dr. Seuss story. Despite facing multiple demolition orders, Chen's structure continues to stand, drawing curious tourists and local gawkers to its remarkable height.

The tower, constructed of dark red wooden rooms that decrease in size as they ascend, teeters precariously over fields of knee-high grass. Built with the barest of resources, it relies on a makeshift framework, where utility poles prop up ceilings and rainwater buckets provide unexpected support. Crisscrossing wires and power strips dangle above, while homemade ladders zigzag through the floors without safety handrails.

During my visit, I accompanied Chen as he climbed the ladders, showcasing a fifth-floor reading nook and a sixth-floor open-air tearoom. With pride, he gazed out from the ninth floor at the surrounding standardized apartment buildings where his neighbors reside, juxtaposing his creative endeavor with their conventional homes.

"They say the house is shabby and vulnerable to winds," remarked Chen, a notion not entirely unreasonable as I observed the structure swaying lightly in the breeze. Yet, despite this uncertainty, the tower has become a shining emblem of determination, garnering attention that spans beyond mere curiosity.

As this unconventional edifice continues to rise, the story of Chen Tianming serves as a powerful testament to resilience and creative expression, challenging societal norms and attracting admirers from all walks of life.