Written by Wendy Mo |
Among all the incredible constructions in China, you may have heard that there are also some replica cities. This is not something usual, and what exactly are “replica cities”? Are they really existing like the actual cities? Well, they are indeed urban developments inspired by famous European destinations.
Unlike theme parks, they are real residential areas with everything that you would see in a neighborhood, such as streets, apartments, and public spaces, though some feel more like film sets than lived-in communities.
Well-known examples include Tianducheng or Thames Town. This article will introduce some of the most iconic and interesting replica cities you can consider visiting during your trip.
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- The Most Famous China Replica Cities
- Why Does China Build Replica Cities?
- Are Chinese replica cities worth visiting?
- FAQ about Replica Cities in China
- Explore China’s Replica Cities with China Xian Tour
The Most Famous China Replica Cities
Tianducheng (Hangzhou) – A Slice of Paris in Hangzhou
- Best for: wedding shoots. Instagram photos. casual strolls. neighborhood life
- Location: Xingqiao Subdistrict, Linping District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
- Getting there:
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- Take Metro Line 3 to Huangheshan Station, exit B. Then take a short walk.
- Bus options: Routes 407, 402, 417M, 535 to Tiandu Park or nearby stops in Tianducheng.
- Suggested time: 1–2 hours
- Tip: Best for a cozy, relaxing city walk. Can be combined with nearby attractions like Qiantao Garden, Linping Xintiandi, and Tiandu Park (currently under renovation).
Tianducheng is the most famous replica city in China, situated in Hangzhou. It looks exactly like Paris, with the iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower, standing in a striking stance. It’ll be a really unique experience to send pictures of yourself walking French-style boulevards to your friends and then surprise them with the fact that you’re actually in China.
Now it’s difficult to believe that Tianducheng once struggled with low occupancy and gained a “ghost town” reputation. Its beautiful Paris-style layout has made it especially popular for wedding photography and social media shoots, and the occupancy rate has also risen significantly.
Thames Town (Shanghai) – London Streets Without Leaving Shanghai
- Best for: pre-wedding photos. film-style photography. short outings
- Location: Lane 900, Sanxin North Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai
- Getting there: Metro Line 9 to Songjiang New City, then taxi.
- Suggested time: 1–2 hours
- Tip: Best combined with a visit to Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park. Not recommended as a standalone destination.
Thames Town, as its name suggests, is a British-style town on the outskirts of Shanghai. It is designed to resemble a traditional English village. The town features cobblestone streets, a Gothic Church, Georgian and Tudor houses, and, as you may expect, many red telephone boxes. These details can really make you wonder where you actually are.
Despite its vivid design, it’s not a bustling residential area, visitors are more drawn to its film-set quality. With its strong European vibe, it’s more popular as a photo location, especially for wedding shoots.
Venice Town (Dalian) – Gondolas, Canals, and Italian Vibes
- Best for: boat rides. scenic walks. family outings. Photography. food
- Location: Intersection of Gangdong 2nd Street and Gangpu Road, Donggang Business District, Zhongshan District, Dalian
- Getting there:
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- Metro Line 2 to Conference Center Station. Then about 10-minute walk
- Bus: Routes 13, 16, 536 to Gangdong 2nd Street
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- Suggested time: 2–3 hours
- Tip: Can be visited on its own or combined with the nearby Laohutan Ocean Park for a more family-friendly itinerary.
Venice Town in Dalian is designed to replicate the famous Italian city, Venice. The soul of this replica city is its over 4 km of canals, more than 200 European-style buildings, plazas, and bridges. Visitors can really try the typical Venice activity: gondola-style boat rides.
You can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere while the little boat gently cruises down the Renaissance-era Italian architecture on both sides. Unlike many other replica towns, Venice Town was intended as an interactive experience rather than a residential neighborhood. Compared to other replica towns, it’s more tourist-friendly and it provides a more peaceful experience than the real Venice.
OCT East (Shenzhen) – A Swiss Escape in Southern China
- Best for: family trips. weekend getaways. outdoor activities
- Location: Southwest 200 meters from the intersection of Xinqu Avenue and Jinlong Road, Longhua District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
- Getting there: Metro Line 4 to Baishilong Station, Exit B1.
- Suggested time: Half day to full day
- Tip: Can be visited as a standalone destination. Perfectfor family activities like camping, picnics, and riding the forest train.
OCT East is a large resort area inspired by Swiss towns like Interlaken. It’s surrounded by mountains and lakes, and European-style architecture gives this town a unique charm and peaceful environment. Combined with theme parks, hotels, and outdoor attractions.
In fact, different from many replica cities, OTC is fully developed and actively used as a tourist destination but not a residential area. It’s the perfect destination for a more cost-effective European vacation.
Holland Town (Shanghai)– Windmills and Quiet Dutch Streets
- Best for: quiet photography.slow walks. niche travel
- Location: 4288 Laiyang Road, Gaoqiao Town, Pudong, Shanghai
- Getting there: Metro Line 6 to North Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, then walk or bike 1.7 km
- Suggested time: 1 hour
- Tip: Not a must-see. Only worth visiting if you happen to go nearby or you’re specifically interested in replica towns.
Holland Town is also located in Shanghai. It recreates elements of a traditional Dutch village, so you’ll see features like windmills, canals, and Amsterdam-style buildings. It is both a themed residential area and a tourism destination, and it has once struggled with lower capacity.
Its beautiful setting often draws people to come and take photos or have a leisurely walk. Sometimes there will also be films or dramas shot in this town. In general, this place is not highly commercialized, perfect for you to find a peaceful moment during your journey.
Why Does China Build Replica Cities?
1. Urban Expansion & Government Planning
Many of the replica cities were established in the early 2000s, since back then, initiatives like the “One City, Nine Towns” policy had widely encouraged the development of themed suburban districts in a city. The purpose was to ease congestion in major cities like Shanghai and strike a balance in urban growth. These replica towns, with their unique and carefully arranged beauty, helped attract residents to new areas while giving each district a special identity.
2. Real Estate & Lifestyle Marketing
These towns are not something that only exist in myths, they are real residential or tourist areas with European-style architecture. Developers use such a design to market a lifestyle, not just property. Living in places like Thames Town or Tianducheng was positioned as a symbol of luxury, prestige, and international living, making these homes more appealing to buyers.
3. Cultural & Aesthetic Appeal
European designs, especially those shown in replica cities, are often associated with romance and elegance. So, many people see these “fake towns” less as copies and more as a creative reinterpretation of global architecture. And they also blend foreign styles with local development goals.
Are Chinese replica cities worth visiting?
They’re not technically serving as popular attractions. They will be worth visiting for photos and unique experiences, especially if you’re curious about unusual places and want to tell how “real” they are. However, they’re less ideal for those seeking authentic culture or lively city life. So the best choice is to take them as a short stop, not a main highlight.
FAQ about Replica Cities in China
Are Chinese replica cities open to tourists?
Yes, most replica cities are open to visitors, even though some of them are not originally designed as a sightseeing spot.
Which is the best fake city in China?
The most famous is Tianducheng, known for its Eiffel Tower replica. For variety, Thames Town is great for British-style streets, while OCT east has the most tourist-friendly activities.
Is Paris in China worth visiting?
Tianducheng will be an interesting destination if you enjoy photography and unique travel spots. However, don’t consider it as a complete substitute for real Paris, even if it offers a fun and accessible way to experience similar visuals.
Why are some replica cities empty?
Many were built as large real estate projects, and early demand didn’t always match supply. Over time, some of those former “ghost towns” have gradually gained residents, while others remain partially occupied.
How can I get to these replica cities?
Most of these towns are located in suburban areas of major cities like Shanghai or Hangzhou. So usually metro + taxi or ride-hailing will be enough.
Explore China’s Replica Cities with China Xian Tour
Replica cities are really unique sites to visit. They give people a chance to appreciate Western architectural charm in China. If you want to plan a China tour with stops at these towns, China Xian Tour can offer you the best itinerary. Everything can be customized, while private transfers, professional guides and flexible time slots are all guaranteed. So contact us right now, and get ready for your perfect hustle-free journey with us.
