China’s latest villages modeled on European and American towns goes for a triple-play: Hometown 16th century neighborhoods of three writers who all died in 1616—Shakespeare, Cervantes and Chinese poet Tang Xiansu.
‘Little Stratford’ features reproductions of Shakespeare’s birthplace and later residence, a number of ‘Stratford streets,’ the River Avon, and, for some reason, a famous church from Rome. Stratford’s district council (the English one) has collaborated with the developers.
In ‘Little Alcala,’ the Spanish quarter will reproduce parts of the town where Cervantes was born. His old house and the town’s main church are among the reproductions. The section devoted to Tang Xianzu will contain traditional Chinese architecture, a town hall and a “garden of famous artists of opera.”
Although this will be an actual residential town, it is designed to also attract tourists, both Chinese and overseas. In England, picture above, Stratford-upon-Avon has become a very popular destination for Chinese tourists.
