China’s Most Famous Replicas

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then one country might just be the biggest fan of world architecture.

Fez – China has become known for replicating famous landmarks from around the world. These copies range from architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House to historical monuments like the Colosseum.

Some of these replicas serve as entertainment attractions, while others function as government buildings or residential areas.

While some criticize these replicas as inauthentic imitations, architecture has always borrowed elements from different cultures.

For example, the White House in Washington, DC shares similarities with the Irish Parliament in Dublin, which was influenced by Roman architecture.

Here are eight of the most famous replicas found across China:

‘The White House’ – Hangzhou

In Hangzhou, businessman Huang Qiaoling built an exact copy of the US White House, complete with an Oval Office and a gallery of American presidents.

His estate also features mini versions of Mount Rushmore and the Washington Monument. This replica has become a tourist attraction, even drawing a visit from former US President George W. Bush in 2002.

‘The Great Sphinx of Giza’ – Chuzhou, Anhui Province

For thousands of years, Egypt’s Great Sphinx stood alone. That changed when a full-scale replica appeared in an entertainment park in Chuzhou, China.

This modern version of the iconic monument has drawn both admiration and controversy.

Austria’s ‘Hallstatt’ – Huizhou, Guangdong Province

The town of Hallstatt in Austria, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stunning lakeside scenery. In 2012, a Chinese corporation spent $1 billion to create a near-exact replica in Huizhou, complete with European-style houses, cobblestone streets, and a church modeled after the original.

‘The Kremlin’ – Beijing, Mentougou District

Beijing’s Mentougou district is home to a building that closely resembles Moscow’s Kremlin. The Chinese version serves as a government office, and houses departments like the local weather bureau.

The project had a price tag of approximately 9.34 million yuan (USD 1.54 million).

‘The Colosseum’ – Macau

Macau, China’s only city where gambling is legal, features a replica of Rome’s renowned Colosseum.

Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf amusement park, the structure is not a full-scale copy but still captures the essence of the ancient Roman arena.

‘Chateau Maisons-Laffitte’ – Beijing

Originally designed by French architect François Mansart in the 17th century, the Chateau Maisons-Laffitte now has a Chinese twin.

The Beijing version, known as the Chateau Laffitte Hotel, blends European elegance with modern luxury.

‘Karnak Temple’ – Wuhan, Hubei Province

Egypt’s Karnak Temple, one of the world’s most famous ancient sites, has an unexpected twin in Wuhan.

This replica stands inside Wanguo Park, an abandoned theme park intended to showcase global architecture.

Various English towns – Songjiang, Shanghai

China hasn’t only copied individual landmarks; it has recreated entire towns. Thames Town, just 40 minutes from downtown Shanghai, was designed to resemble a classic English village.

While many homes were bought by wealthy investors, the town remains largely unoccupied, earning it the nickname of a “ghost town.”

China’s fascination with replicas reflects both admiration and ambition. These structures allow locals and tourists to experience world-famous landmarks without traveling abroad.

While opinions on these copies vary, they exhibit the country’s unique approach to blending global culture with Chinese development.