Once upon a time, Shanghai earned the title of “the Paris of the East.” Today, a one-hour train journey from Shanghai transports you to a place that embodies the essence of Paris in a whole new way: Tianducheng. This district is a complete replica of the French capital, featuring convincing faux-Haussmannian apartment buildings and wide boulevards.

Since its construction in 2007, Tianducheng has struggled to attract residents, becoming known as one of China’s ambitious yet deserted ghost towns. But this imitation trend isn’t limited to Tianducheng. There is a replica of Jackson Hole, Wyoming on the outskirts of Beijing, a Thames Town in Shanghai, and even a tribute to Shakespeare with a replica of Stratford-upon-Avon in the city of Fuzhou.

To get a glimpse of Tianducheng today, one simply needs to watch “I Explored China’s Failed $1 Billion Copy of Paris,” a new video from the travel channel Yes Theory. In the video, a group of friends, including a Frenchman, wander through the eerily empty streets of Tianducheng. They are struck by the familiarity of the built environment and amazed by the one-third-scale version of the Eiffel Tower.

While the replica Eiffel Tower fails to attract many visitors during the day, the neighbourhood comes alive in the evening as locals embrace their unique cityscape. The street life of this Champs-Élysées might differ from the real one, but it offers a distinctive and enjoyable experience.

Tianducheng may be an imitation, but it exudes its own charm and allure, drawing both curious explorers and locals seeking a different backdrop for their evenings.

So if you find yourself in China, why not take a journey to Tianducheng and immerse yourself in a unique Parisian experience? It may not be the genuine article, but it certainly promises an unforgettable adventure unlike any other. Here’s to the weird and wonderful world of Tianducheng!