Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
When Chinese Rip Offs Go Too Far: 40 Side-By-Side Pictures Of Paris, And Its Chinese Knockoff Look Awfully Similar
You don't have to travel to France to check out the Eiffel Tower or the Mona Lisa, or the next best thing. China has built a replica of Paris 6,000 miles away from the beautiful city in France. Looking at the photos, an average tourist might find it so similar that it's almost eerie. Recently, French photographer Francois Prost visited the copycat town of Tianducheng and created "Paris Syndrome," a photo series that invites its viewers to compare the two locations.
While researching what it would be like to live in a town based on one of the most iconic cities in the world, Francois came across several places in China that consciously mimic the architecture designs of various European areas. This phenomenon is known as "duplitecture."
Tianducheng is a housing estate in the suburbs of Hangzhou, China. Construction of the town started in 2007 and it was initially developed to accommodate about 10,000 residents. "The monuments look the same, but it’s a totally different context," the Parisian told Wired. "What I like about seeing these side-by-side comparisons is that you're kind of lost. You don’t know which is the original or which is the Chinese knockoff." Scroll down to check out his project and upvote your favorites.
More info: francoisprost.com | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
RELATED:
#2
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Nadine Ducca 7 years ago
Notice all the brides and grooms in the Chinese picture? :-) Oh, and this Chinese one is, IMO, hideous. Also, to be specific, the bottom one isn't in Paris. It's the Fountain of Apollo in the gardens at Versailles, and it looks awful in this picture because of the weather. It's actually really bright and beautiful.
#3
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#4
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#5
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
That's spooky. One of my favorite places in Paris. Honestly these guys have done a pretty good job. Well if this keeps the people in the region ... why not. Although I would prefer a more individual, creative and own architecture. But IF you make a copy then make it good. Mission completed.
#6
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#7
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#8
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#9
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
JillVille Child Care 7 years ago
Chinese statue has better abs, but the Parisian one has better calves, lol
#10
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#11
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#12
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#13
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cees Timmerman 7 years ago
Originally planned as a city for around 10,000 inhabitants, the current population of Tianducheng is estimated at around 2,000 people, many of whom are working on a nearby French-themed amusement park.
#14
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
Parisians would rather DIE than hang their laundry outside. In fact, I think they can get a fine for doing it.
#15
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#16
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#17
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#18
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#19
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
Absolutely. Paris 12 points, China 2 points for trying. In this case nothing compares to the elegant grace of the original
#20
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#21
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#22
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#23
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
Yeah. At least some real life situation .... some garbage and stuff. 10 points for the copy.
#24
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Andrew Gibb 7 years ago
The Chinese one- I'm a little robot teapot, short and with the feet of a duck...
#25
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#26
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#27
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#29
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#31
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#32
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#33
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#34
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#36
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#37
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
OMG ... the look of the lady in red. Absolutely nailed it. I will print this pic as a poster ... hahaha ... made my day.
#38
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#39
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Add New Image
