A glimpse of Paris in China
It is everybody’s dream to visit Paris, but many of us cannot afford to do that for now. However, it’s still possible to see the famous Parisian landmarks, most notably the Eiffel Tower, without flying to France. On China’s eastern coast – around 6,000 miles away from Paris – a housing estate named Tianducheng replicates the famous City of Light.
Tianducheng is a unique real estate development in China’s Zhejiang Province. Located near Hangzhou, this area stands out for its striking resemblance to Paris. The town features a 354-foot-tall copy of the Eiffel Tower as its centerpiece. Tianducheng also includes replicas of other famous Parisian landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees main square, and the Gardens of Versailles.
The development is part of a trend called “duplitecture” in China, where entire neighborhoods are built to look like foreign cities. Tianducheng aims to capture the elegance and charm of the French capital. Its streets are lined with apartment buildings that mimic Haussmannian architecture, complete with ornate facades and wrought-iron balconies.
Tianducheng – a “ghost town” version of Paris?
The project began in 2007 by the Chinese government as part of its preparation to address the continuing lack of housing due to the ballooning population. Originally planned to house 10,000 residents, Tianducheng offers luxury European-style apartments. The area includes Haussmann-inspired streets and public spaces designed to evoke the atmosphere of Paris. Despite its grand vision, the town has faced challenges in attracting residents and businesses.
Since Tianducheng first opened to the public in 2007, it has been considered a ghost town. However, this is far from the truth. While many homes and apartments remain vacant, the area’s population has continued to increase and attract a steady stream of local and foreign visitors. With its romantic and picturesque setting, it is not surprising that Tianducheng is a favorite site for wedding photoshoots.
What is the reason for Tianducheng’s abandonment?
The primary reason for Tianducheng’s abandonment is its odd location and several dead-end roads amid vast hectares of farmland.
But that seems to have changed. Tianducheng’s location, about two hours from Shanghai, makes it accessible to tourists and day-trippers. The nearby Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport also provides convenient access for visitors. However, the housing complex has not seen any success yet and many believe that it will continue to decay. Today, Tianducheng is more or less abandoned, giving it eerie and ghost-town vibes.
How to get to Tianducheng?
If you come from Shanghai, there are many options to get to Tianducheng:
- By train and taxi – Take the high-speed train from Shanghai’s Hongqiao Railway Station to Hangzhou Railway Station. The journey typically takes an hour. After getting off to Hangzhou Railway Station, hail a taxi or use a hail-riding service (like Didi) to reach Tianducheng. Traveling time typically takes around 40 minutes.
- By bus – From Shanghai, take a bus from Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station bound for Hangzhou. From Hangzhou, hail a taxi, take a local bus, or use a hail-riding service to reach Tianducheng. This option takes longer, though, than the train-and-taxi option.
- By car – Driving from Shanghai to Tianducheng typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours and covers a distance of around 180 kilometers via the G60 Expressway.
- By organized tours – Some tour operators or travel agencies in Shanghai offer day trips to Tianducheng. The service typically includes transportation and sometimes a guided tour.
While some view Tianducheng as an odd curiosity, others see it as a unique travel destination that brings a taste of European architecture to eastern China. You still have the chance to visit Tianducheng – and pretend you’re in Paris – before everything falls apart.