If you’re feeling a bit homesick next time you’re on holiday in China why not take a trip to Songjiang? If you travel about 20 miles from Shanghai you will find yourself in Thames Town – a replica of all that is English. Whilst the Chinese have recently loaned us the Terracotta Warriors they now can experience true English scenery on their doorstep – all we need to do is ship all the Hoodies out there to finish off the experience.
All the buildings are designed to imitate Georgian and Victorian-style terraced houses with a statue of Winston Churchill in the town square and what looks like Beefeaters patrolling the streets.
Thames Town is truly where East meets West but at a total cost of 5 billion Yuan housing will be out of reach of all but China’s richest.
This seems to have caused a bit of a stir in Dorset where the owner of the local pub and Fish and Chip shop claims her buildings have been copied without her consent. Talks are now underway to get Thames Town twinned with Rock Point Inn and Cobb Gate Fish Bar in Lyme Regis.
And if that wasn’t enough, our French brothers and sisters also have a home from home in Tianducheng. The mini Paris complex was opened earlier this year and currently houses just 2,000 people.
After 5 years work, visitors can admire the Eiffel Tower and visit the French country club, school and hospital. Although not as tall as the real Eiffel Tower, nor the 165 metre replica in Las Vegas, this is still impressive standing at just over 100 metres. Italian and German towns are also planned with the Italian development featuring Venetian canals.