Tiandu Cheng, the replica of Paris in China

Welcome to Tiandu Cheng, China! Visit a copy of Paris born of a dream that asks us about Chinese culture!

9 600 kilometers from France, in the heart of China, stands Haussmannian buildings, fountains and Eiffel Tower! The space for a moment, we could really believe in Paris, but the illusion dissipates pretty quickly. Shops and shops replace typical schools and shops. gigantic concrete towers saturate the horizon, as well as high mountains in the distance. The streets are quiet. The inhabitants, discreet, go to their concerns. We even see some traditional fields. Farmers still wear the traditional Zhejiang outfits, east of the China .

There is no doubt: we are not in Paris but a few kilometers from Shanghai. But then, was all this just a dream?

Ghost Paris on the other end of the world: dream or reality?

This is the impression and the question that we ask ourselves when we arrive at Tiandu Cheng. This Haussmannian suburb was, after all, born of a dream of Chinese entrepreneur Guangsha. At first glance, we could believe in Paris. After all, the essential is there, right? The Haussmannian buildings, but also the main square of the Champs-Elysées and even a fountain of the Jardins du Luxembourg! As we go back to the main artery, we quickly observe the details that do not mislead: where did the sound markers of the City of Light pass? This continuous flow of passersby, the noise of cars or the waves of tourists?

Tiandu Cheng is quiet. Calm down, like a dream.

We quickly reach the highlight of the city: the garden with its reproduction of the Eiffel Tower. We can only notice its small size compared to the true. After all, it only measures one third of the height of the Lady of Fer! Around, the long queues to reach its summits are replaced by passers-by walking peacefully. From there, we can see couples taking pictures of marriage.

Of course, we did not come to Tiandu Cheng to admire replicas of French national monuments. This is obviously not what interests us here! No, if we chose to discover Tiandu Cheng, it is for this atypical perspective on our known world. Walking around, it’s like going through an awakened dream. Actually, this fake Paris is even a little paradise for photography lovers. The clichés you will capture will only be unique and fantasy.

The true soul of Tiandu Cheng

By walking in the streets of Tiandu Cheng, we quickly understand what makes it the true charm.

On the one hand, we observe typical empty Parisian streets. Yes, it is atypical by many aspects. But for our look accustomed to the French tradition, which is especially the daily life of the locals. Coming on the spot, you might think Tiandu Cheng is for an easy population. But the inhabitants are of modest condition. Walking around the city is thus an intriguing dive in the heart of Chinese life. The only difference with another small town in the country is that it stands in a familiar setting for us: Paris.

Thus, we can observe children walking by running, laughing and chamailing on the main artery. Traditional parks and clusters surround us. The pollution of taxis and scooters gives way to the delicious smells of restaurants and surrounding fields. For a short time, we can appreciate the sweetness of living in Tiandu Cheng.

But we've got a question. Why reproduce a Paris at the other end of the world?

Tiandu Cheng, a city to learn more about Chinese culture?

It is difficult for us, first of all, to understand why the Chinese enjoy copying some European cities and decors so much. This mode of "duplicature", a word-value that gathers duplication and architecture, is indeed very present in the Middle Empire. Thus, Tiandu Cheng allows us to understand an aspect of deep Chinese culture.

First, we find the legacy of Confucianism which encourages the student to imitate the master. If the Western media have criticized this “light copy” of the Haussmannian architecture, we should instead feel flattered by admiring the city’s buildings. In China, people see this way of copying it more, not as a problem, but rather as a quality! And after all, did we not have the same reflex in our societies? Some of our beautifully copied monuments are directly inspired by ancient Rome or Greece!

But above all, in the eyes of the Chinese, France is the country of romanticism. For the young married, there is nothing more charming than to lay in front of the Eiffel Tower or in front of the Apollo Basin! Unfortunately, for many Chinese, the trip to France is far too expensive. So couples come to Tiandu Cheng to walk and have fun taking some shots.

When we arrive at Tiandu Cheng, we see only a delirious replica or dream. The photos are fusing, the comparisons also. The uninterested visitors will only see a pale copy of Paris. Open travellers will be able to appreciate the true nature of the city: an astonishing syncretism between French architecture and traditional Chinese life, as well as a light and dreamy admiration.

How to go see the ghost Paris of China?

How?

To discover this other Paris, you will have to fly to China on the other end of the world. This is obviously the most practical and fastest way to reach the Far East! Our partner Ulysses can allow you to find the flights at the best prices to the Hipzhou airport.

Unlike what you might think, flights from Paris to China are not rare, expensive or even long. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can easily reach Hanghzou at less than 500€, and in about 15 hours.

From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, you can then borrow from:

• Shuttles connecting the airport to the city centre for 20 yuan per person;
• Taxi for about 100 yuan.

It should be noted that there are also shuttles linking Pudong Airport to Shanghai in the city centre of Hyangzhou for 110 yuan per person.

If Tiandu Cheng is far from the city centre, you can easily reach it by bus line 535 from the Wulin Square Metro Station. There are departures about every 30 minutes or less. You can then have fun taking atypical and original photos!

When?

The best times to visit Tiandu Cheng and the region are certainly spring and autumn.

• The spring lasts from March to May. It is a beautiful season to admire the blooming of the fishermen.
• Autumn extends from October to November. It is usually good, not too hot, nor too wet. This season is considered globally as the best time of the year to discover Hangzhou!

In the summer, the thermometer is packed, just like humidity. Rainfall is considerable. In winter, even if temperatures do not fall below zero, it is still cold and wet.

How much?

To enter the park at the end of the Boulevard haussmannien, you will have to pay the small sum of 50 yuan, about € 6.50.

What I can find out in the area

Marco Polo, who passed by centuries ago, considered Hangzhou as one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the world! After fighting the evil of the country by a small tower in Tiandu Cheng, do not miss discovering the wonders of this ancient city.

Hefang Street

To start your hangzhou visit, you can chat without waiting at Hefang Street. There are many restaurants, street food stands, shops and sweets typical of the region. With tourism development, the shops and shops are gradually standardised. Thus, you are recommended to lose yourself in perpendicular streets. They are much less crowded and especially more authentic!

Lake West

This lake has made the fame of Hipzhou for centuries. It's a must! To make a tour, you can only recommend renting a bike. Many routes exist. They will allow you to pass close to the most extraordinary points of view and monuments! On time, plan a big half day or a whole day if you picnic on the way.

The Pagoda of the 6 Harmonies

Also called Liuhe Pagoda, this sublime Pagoda is on the top of a small hill, on the banks of the Qiantang River. During your visit, you will take a dotted path of very charming miniature pagodas. Arrival at the Pagoda of the 6 Harmonies, do not miss climbing to its summit to enjoy an incredible panoramic view!

Hangzhou obviously houses many other exceptional places to visit during your trip to China: the Temple of Lingyin, the caves of Fei Lai Feng, the Silk Museum or the National Tea Museum. The city is also the ideal starting point to survey Huangshan. Located at about 5 hours of bus from the city, these fantastic mountains are classified as the UNESCO World Heritage!