Cloned European-style cities built by China: an uncanny resemblance felt by residents. - Experience European-like Cities Right in China: Discovering China's Replicas of European Urban Hong Kong, Chongqing Mirrors Paris, and Haikou Imitating Rome
In China, a unique architectural trend known as "fantasy replication" has taken root, with entire towns and landmarks modeled after iconic European designs. This phenomenon, which caters to both domestic tourists and residents seeking a taste of European culture without leaving China, has resulted in the creation of themed towns and residential areas, such as Thames Town near Shanghai, replicating an English market town, and a Paris-inspired town near Hangzhou boasting a replica Eiffel Tower.
The practice, known as "duplitecture", involves the duplication or replication of famous buildings, cities, or architectural styles. The term embodies how architecture can have a "double life" — one original, one duplicated — as these replicas replicate the aesthetics and cultural symbolism of European landmarks but often serve different functions or social contexts within China.
The Chinese government has expressed concerns over this trend, citing cultural degradation and the need to foster cultural confidence and develop distinctively Chinese urban identities. As a result, copycat architecture has been banned in an attempt to promote a more unique and Chinese-oriented architectural landscape.
Despite President Xi Jinping's advice to trust Chinese culture more, these bizarre replicas remain popular photo spots. For instance, a replica of the Greek island Santorini can be found by a southern Chinese lake, serving as a hotel and photo spot for tourists. Similarly, Chinese city planners have built replicas of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and Parisian old town streets in Tianducheng.
The eastern Chinese megacity is the origin of the European-style suburbs trend, with seven such developments built over the past twenty years to make the belt more attractive. However, it's important to note that these replicas have no connection to the history or culture of the original European cities they mimic. For example, no Greeks lived in the Chinese Santorini, and no Germans lived in the copied Anting near Shanghai.
In summary, China's replicas form part of a broader architectural and cultural trend reflecting globalization, tourism, and identity debates, rather than mere imitation. The government's stance on copycat architecture and the continued popularity of these replicas highlight the complexities and nuances surrounding cultural identity and global influence in the modern world.
References: [1] Liu, Y. (2020). China's Urbanisation: The Rise of Fake Cities. The Diplomat. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/chinas-urbanisation-the-rise-of-fake-cities/
[2] Zhang, J. (2019). Duplitecture: China's Obsession with Copying European Architecture. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/aug/19/duplitecture-chinas-obsession-with-copying-european-architecture
- The popularity of these replicas, such as the Santorini and the Parisian town in Tianducheng, might suggest a shift in Chinese lifestyle, where emulating European architectural styles and culture becomes a desirable trend for tourists and residents alike.
- As travel and globalization continue to influence cultural identities worldwide, the European-style suburbs in eastern China serve as an example of how duplicating famous architectural designs can transcend geographical boundaries, altering landscapes and challenging traditional notions of cultural authenticity.
