Tianducheng, known officially as Guangsha Tianducheng, is a district of real estate in China. This area has an uncanny resemblance to one of the world’s most famous cities, Paris. This town in China replicates the iconic and elegant beauty of Paris, and while Tianducheng was once just the countryside of eastern Hangzhou, it has been transformed into a luxury development. Construction of Tianducheng, the miniature Paris, began in 2007, but “China’s Paris” has a unique history and offerings. In fact, since opening to the public it was temporarily abandoned and more recently gained tourist attention.
It is an example of duplitecture, which is a practice that aims to create copies of foreign cities and landmarks. In China, mimicry is generally seen as a method of mastery and admiration (and recreation, for affluent people). Usually these trendy duplicates vary in some ways, but are generally meant to be nearly exact recreations. Such acts can be observed in the West as well. For example, in Las Vegas there are several replicas of popular international structures. So, while there is not a plethora of these replications, China’s copytowns offer more immersive experiences.
It is a unique travel destination that may offer budget and adventurous travelers exciting opportunities. As a destination inside of a destination, Tianducheng offers travelers a complex experience abroad. The area is an underrated gem with appeal for travelers that want to experience local culture and European aesthetic. Check out everything there is to know about Tianducheng, the Paris of China, for travelers.
Where Exactly Is Tianducheng?
Tianducheng is in the Zhejiang Province and is located about 90 miles from Shanghai. Technically, many travelers visit Tianducheng domestically so traveling there comes with some ease. To get to Tianducheng from bigger cities like Shanghai, it is a bus, train or taxi ride away. The train is one of the most affordable ways to get to Tianducheng from Shanghai. The two-hour ride will cost travelers around $20. For foreign travelers, it is best to fly into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. This airport is located 15 miles away from Tianducheng. From there, travelers can take a taxi to their accommodation.
What Parisian Architecture Does It Replicate?
The Chinese town imitates the architectural beauty of France in multiple ways. The unique urban planning of Tianducheng has made it stand out among the surrounding environment. The replication of Parisian sites has only made it more popular. Tourists can appreciate many French accents in Tianducheng. Tianducheng’s most significant duplitecture building is the 300-foot-tall Eiffel Tower, which is surrounded by other popular French features. These features include the fountain from Luxembourg Gardens, Champs Elysees, renaissance-styled streets and Haussmannian boulevards. Tianducheng is a relatively thorough replica town that fans of Paris will enjoy.
What Can Tourists Do at Tianducheng?
The town is not a bustling attraction, so travelers do not have a whole lot to do. Some people may enjoy its quiet nature and lack of crowds. But in general, life in Tianducheng is not very luxurious. Travelers can stroll on the Chinese Champs-Elysees alongside manicured lawns and extravagant fountains. Enjoying the peaceful town is easy to do since it is quite a tranquil place and has a central park. To get a quick bite travelers do not have to search far. There are street vendors that offer local favorites like dumplings and green tea as opposed to French staples. Other than the luxury European apartments around the square, there are not many attractions or activities in Tianducheng. This town may be a better fit for a day trip from more tourism friendly destinations in China.
Is Tianducheng a Popular Tourist Destination?
At first, no, Tianducheng was not as popular as it was intended to be. While the cobblestoned streets were a sight to see, the town did not fill up with residents. The European flair was not enough to make up for the location of Tianducheng. The town is located in a rural area, which has significantly decreased its popularity. It is in a relatively inconvenient location for domestic and international travelers to venture to. This factor and its distance from reliable public transportation has naturally limited the amount of visitors it receives. But these aspects do not mean Tianducheng is not worth the travel. Since it is an impressive recreation, there is still some appeal for travelers. It is a common site for couples that want to capture their love in front of the Eiffel Tower (simply on a lower budget).