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China invests $600 million in replica historic villages to attract tourists
China is developing a network of "fanggu" – imitation historic attractions – to boost domestic tourism and cater to visitors seeking immersive cultural experiences. One flagship example is Gubei Water Town, built in 2014 near the Simatai section of the Great Wall by a state‑backed enterprise with a $600 million investment. The site mimics a classic Jiangnan water village despite being far north of the Yangtze River.
Visitors can rent traditional Hanfu costumes for about $15 and, for an additional $10, receive makeup, accessories, professional photography and post‑production editing. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, told People’s Daily that modern consumers are increasingly willing to pay for emotional and cultural value. While initially popular with Chinese domestic travelers facing a stagnant economy, the attractions have also drawn foreign tourists, spurred by the “China maxxing” movement on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu.
Entities
China · China Tourism Academy · Gubei Water Town · People's Daily · Yang Jinsong
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] China has built entire faux‑ancient villages called “fanggu” across the country. krdo.com · localnews8.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said modern consumers are increasingly willing to pay for emotional value. krdo.com · localnews8.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tourists can pay about $15 to rent traditional Hanfu costumes at these sites. krdo.com · localnews8.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The investment in Gubei Water Town amounted to $600 million. krdo.com · localnews8.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gubei Water Town near the Great Wall was constructed in 2014 by a state‑backed enterprise. krdo.com · localnews8.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Foreign visitors are also joining Chinese tourists at fanggu attractions, driven by the “China maxxing” movement on social media. krdo.com · localnews8.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] An additional $10 purchase unlocks makeup, accessories, professional photography and editing. krdo.com · localnews8.com