TripZillaEver heard of Hallstatt? That picturesque Austrian village, nestled amidst the stunning Dachstein Salzkammergut mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for Insta-worthy views? Chances are, you have. But, did you know that there’s also a replica of that village in China with the exact same name?
Inside the Hallstatt replica in China
Welcome to “Chinese Hallstatt,” a housing development project in the city of Huizhou in Guangdong Province. Now, before you get your Austrian lederhosen in a twist, let me clarify: it’s not an exact replica. Think of it more as a “Hallstatt-inspired” development. They’ve got the charming European-style architecture down – cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured houses, even a little lake. The centre of the area contains a replica of the parish church, the fountain and various other objects from the original Hallstatt town centre. That said, some say that it’s missing that certain “je ne sais quoi” – the Alpine backdrop, the history, the authentic Austrian vibes.
While some Hallstatt residents are not comfortable with their village being cloned, Hallstatt’s mayor Alexander Scheutz saw a positive effect of the project on the tourism industry of the “original” Hallstatt. Today, the Chinese Hallstatt serves as a residential area for rich people with various shops and pathways for tourists.
So, what can you expect if you visit?
- Instagrammable backdrops galore: Seriously, every corner is photo-worthy. You’ll find yourself snapping pics of the colourful houses, the bridges, the lake, and maybe even yourself in a traditional Austrian-style dress (available for rent, of course).
- A bit of a surreal experience: It’s undeniably strange to see this European-style town in the middle of China. You’ll likely encounter a mix of Chinese tourists and curious travellers like yourself.
Should you go?
Honestly, it depends. If you’re fascinated by the concept of architectural mimicry and enjoy a bit of kitsch, then sure, why not? It’s a unique experience. But if you’re expecting an authentic taste of Austria, you might be disappointed.
Have you ever been to a “copycat” destination? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
