With the 2024 Olympics being the talk of the town the past few weeks, the spotlight is undoubtedly on Paris as athletes are pitted against each other at the storied sporting event. The City of Love needs no introduction; it’s probably one of the most popular destinations on Earth, with love birds flocking in the millions to the French capital.
However, did you know that you need not cross continents to catch a glimpse of the Parisian charm? Simply hitch a 5-hour flight to Hangzhou and you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Tianducheng, China’s faithful recreation of Paris. Here’s what you’ll find in this uncanny location, from an Eiffel Tower dupe to replicas of artwork you’d only see in the Louvre.
Image credit: 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia via Flickr
Tianducheng is a housing district in the Zhejiang province in Hangzhou, and is located about a 40-minute drive from the Hangzhou International Airport. Getting to Tianducheng from Singapore is relatively easy as there are non-stop, round trip 5-hour flights from Scoot and China Eastern Airlines that start at S$354.
Tianducheng opened in 2007, and is undeniably modelled after the French city of Paris. Initially, it could accommodate about 10,000 residents within its 30sqkm land area. For comparison, the Tampines neighbourhood spans just 20.89sqkm, and is home to 274,360 residents as of 2023. As such, Tianducheng has a reputation for being a ghost town, with so few people roaming its expansive locale.
A walk down the Champs-Élysées or the streets of Tianducheng?
Image credit: @hannatalchuk2 via Instagram
It has, however, become quite the tourist attraction over the years, attracting many from all corners of the globe to marvel at its French-inspired attractions. You’ll spot residential buildings sporting European architecture, and of course the lofty replica of the iconic Eiffel Tower that stands at just a third of the original’s height.
Image credit: @timbinnion via Instagram
Should you be looking to travel to Paris solely for picture-perfect shots by the Eiffel Tower, then why not save hundreds of dollars on your airfare and head to Tianducheng instead? Their rendition of the Eiffel Tower is pretty bang on, and it has proven to be quite the crowd magnet, attracting many tourists to visit during their time in China.
Image adapted from: @david_sigura via Instagram, Palace of Versailles
To further trick your social media audience that you’ve journeyed to Europe, swing by Tianducheng’s recreation of Apollo’s Fountain. This magnificent fountain featuring the Sun God and his mighty team of chariots can be found in the historic Palace of Versailles, or right here in Tianducheng.
The main lobby of Tianducheng Resort Hangzhou.
Image credit: Agoda
Accommodation-wise, forget about bunking in a cosy Airbnb; live lavishly like kings and queens at Tianducheng Resort Hangzhou. The rooms here start at $74, which is honestly a steal once you take a look at the decor. Even their main reception lobby is pretty atas, decorated with a grand chandelier, flanked by artsy Greek sculptures.
Image credit: Francois Prost
The dedication to the bit is impressive; you’ll come across suits of armour, high tea stands filled with prop plastic baguettes, and even copies of famous artwork like the Mona Lisa brazenly hung on the hotel’s walls. There’s even a Monet gallery here, reminiscent of the Impressions of Monet exhibition we’ve got at GBTB, albeit less grand in every sense.
The Lake View King Bed room in Tianducheng Resort Hangzhou.
Image credit: Agoda
In case you’re wondering, their rooms are well furnished and clean, and you even get access to a swimming pool. However, guests have noted that despite having a Provence-themed cafe on-site, they were quite disappointed that there wasn’t any French cuisine to dig into.
The residential buildings in Tianducheng (right) are almost identical to those you’d find in Paris (left).
Image adapted from: Francois Prost
Back on the streets of Tianducheng, the buildings here are eerily similar to their Parisian counterparts, down to their colour scheme and structure. They’ve also taken it upon themselves to duplicate France’s Fontaine de l’Observatoire fountain, and if you didn’t know any better it could pass off as the real deal.
Image credit: @18h68 via Instagram
Try as it might, not even Tianducheng can truly replicate that magical moment of experiencing the City of Love in-person for the first time. However, it makes for a novelty stop the next time you’re in Southeast China. In all honesty, it is indeed picturesque; just ask the numerous couples that have chosen it as a backdrop for their wedding photoshoot.
For another familiar tourist attraction recreated on Chinese soil, take a look at the MBS-like Raffles City Chongqing. Otherwise, plan for the year-end getaways with these China itineraries for winter holidays. If you’ve got more time to spare, consider a ride on this scenic 2 day sleeper train from Beijing to Lhasa.
Cover image adapted from: @hannatalchuk2 via Instagram, Agoda
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