Urban explorers widen their horizons

Ye said he is also planning an urban adventure to the Fusuijing Building in Xicheng district, one of three community buildings established in Beijing in the 1950s.

There were no individual kitchens for each household, but a large dining hall that could accommodate 500 people. There were also kindergartens, barbershops, kiosks, showers and a range of other facilities.

"The building was a result of the Great Leap Forward, and was a strong feature of that period. That is something you can't learn from a textbook," Ye said.

The Great Leap Forward (1958-60) was a campaign designed to promote the rapid development of China's economy and industry.

"The building has not been fully abandoned, because there are still some residents reluctant to move out. If possible, I really want to know what it feels like to live in such a place," Ye said.