Giethoorn is a canal village in the Netherlands with no roads. Residents get around by boat or on foot. Its name dates back to the 18th century, when locals unearthed a large number of wild goat horns in the peatlands.
In the 20th century, the film Fanfare brought the village into the spotlight. In recent years, Giethoorn has gone viral on social media, drawing an even greater surge of attention.
“It's really hard for locals to be in the waters, because it's always completely fulfilled with tourist boats. Half of the people earn money from the tourists, and the other people have to suffer.” one resident shared.
As constant exposure on the internet pushes up against the boundaries of daily living, villagers have begun hanging signs on their private bridges that read: “Someone lives here. Please pass quietly.”
This is a gentle but firm reminder. As in Giethoorn, mutual respect really matters.
Planner: SHEN Zhengrong
On-Camera & Script: QIAN Yingying
Visual Designer: LIU Jian
