A Picturesque and Unique Chinese Town Shows Striking Similarities to England
In the bustling heart of Shanghai, a surprising gem nestles in the suburbs - Thames Town, a captivating replica of an English village that offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics. This picturesque town is a significant example of China's "duplitecture" trend, where developers create their own versions of unique architectural styles from around the world.
Thames Town, with its cobblestone streets, Tudor-style houses, and a replica of the iconic Thames River, mimics the layout and architecture of rural England, including half-timbered cottages and turn-of-the-century plazas built in the Garden City style. This deliberate imitation creates an English-themed environment within Shanghai, giving residents and visitors a sense of British town aesthetics without leaving China.
This charming village, located 25 miles from Shanghai's famous Oriental Pearl Tower, is easily accessible by taking the Line 9 train from Dapuqiao Station to Songjiang Xincheng Station, followed by a walk or cab ride for the remaining 3 miles. Thames Town is one of the more successful examples of duplitecture, attracting both residents and tourists with its unique charm.
Thames Town is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a physical testament to China's trend of replicating Western architectural styles in newly developed urban areas, embodying the "duplitecture" movement and its social and cultural implications in modern China. This trend reflects China’s evolving urban development strategy that blends domestic needs with international influences.
While some see Thames Town as a charming tourist attraction or a unique residential option, it also raises discussions about authenticity, cultural identity, and the commercialization of foreign styles in Chinese real estate development.
Beyond Thames Town, another day-trip destination from Shanghai is the historic city of Suzhou, which is 2,500 years old and a bastion of Chinese heritage. Both cities are worth visiting to compare the China of past dynasties with today's more imaginative skylines. Unlike the U.K., Shanghai's restaurants in Thames Town offer more traditional Chinese fare than fish and chips.
Thames Town is also a popular spot for newlyweds to have portraits taken, showcasing the town's appeal as a romantic and picturesque location. Western families with a desire for something familiar may find the Disney Resort in Shanghai appealing, offering a taste of home amidst China's vibrant cities.
In conclusion, Thames Town is a fascinating exploration of China's urban development, blending Eastern and Western architectural styles to create a unique and charming village. It serves as a testament to China's trend of duplitecture and the social and cultural implications it presents in modern China.
Thames Town's English-themed environment, with its unique architectural styles, extends beyond home-and-garden aesthetics, offering a lifestyle reminiscent of an English village in the heart of Shanghai. After exploring Thames Town, one could chose to travel to Suzhou, a city steeped in Chinese heritage, providing a stark contrast to the imaginative skylines and Western influences found in Thames Town and Shanghai.
