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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
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
On the first glimpse the Chinese version looks almost more attractive. And it will be definitely more cured, cleaner and less overrun by masses of people queuing up like crazy 😁😉😁
bob 7 years ago
To be honest, I think that the Tour Eiffel is not really beautiful to start with. It pains me to see that it is the symbol of Paris, a city rich with so many gorgeous monuments... But hey, it's easy to spot.
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Crazy Dog Lady 7 years ago
What makes pictures so special are that they are mementos of a trip-so it's not like the trip is the same.
Karen Chaddock 7 years ago
I like the overall appearance of the Chinese version better than the French pic.
Carole Reid 7 years ago
I think the random Chinese pedestrians give it away. Plus taking it away from the traditional direction still doesn't hide it because the statues of the Trocadero.
Thegreatcountryofverden 7 years ago
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower Is painted in lighter shades of brown the higher up you are?
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#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.
Alexandra Guglielmi 7 years ago
This is not Paris but Versailles. It's the "Fountain of Apollo" or "Le Bassin d'Apollon".
Karen Chaddock 7 years ago
Once again the Chinese pic is so much more appealing to look at than the bottom pic.
#3
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Nadine Ducca 7 years ago
The Chinese one looks so cheap! Am I the only one seeing the irony in this? :-S
Karen Chaddock 7 years ago
Here however the bottom pic from Paris is the winner. It's just so sparkling and glittery it takes my breath away.
Jenly Chen 7 years ago
Thought you couldn't publish pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night: https://petapixel.com/2017/10/14/photos-eiffel-tower-night-illegal/
Matthew Riley 7 years ago
Its weird, thus picture is auctally illegal. This is because the person/company that put on the lights is still under copyright protection. Its very pretty and I wish they would lift the ban.
Denzel James Lim 7 years ago
Isnt it against copyright to share or have a pic of the tower's lights? Since its a new installment blah blah and have to pay royalties to the artist
#4
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Weeping Willowz (WeepingWillowz) 7 years ago
It’s because of the grass, and the fact that the Chinese one was probably made in this century whereas the French ones were probably built in the early Victorian era.
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Mixedupste 7 years ago
At least China are building stuff with character and class, unlike modern building which look more like and eyesore!
Alexandru Nan Ernest 7 years ago
"Character and class"? It's actually the opposite of that in China...
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#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.
Cees Timmerman 7 years ago
China has better statues, but Paris is more romantic with the trees and open sky.
Nadine Ducca 7 years ago
I actually have to say that I prefer the Chinese fountain! The statues have more breathing space.
Alexandru Nan Ernest 7 years ago
"More breathing space"? Excuse me, what's that supposed to mean?
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Sally Brown 7 years ago
They've even copied the building style of Paris from the 19th century or earlier. The same slate tiled roofs are not in the photo from Paris but are definitely not Chinese. The Chinese must be so insecure that have to steal from every other culture's historical legacy.
Cees Timmerman 7 years ago
That's the theme. It's like Chinatown in other countries, but built as a theme park and housing estate.
Load More Replies... #6
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Matthew Hyder 7 years ago
The french one looks cute. :) Also, I didn't know China copied this much ftom France, geez. o.o
Pig Panda 7 years ago
I’m just glad that China didn’t try to copy Versi (if I spelled that wrong then i meant the “Ket hen eat cake!” palace)
Alexandru Nan Ernest 7 years ago
They did copy a lot of elements from Versailles...
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#7
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
Ok. Here the winner is Paris :-) for more creative twist and better material
Debbie Andersson 7 years ago
How is it a rip off? Isn´t that just a way of building, or am I missing something? The details and material is different still?
#8
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Joel Emmett 7 years ago
For listening while looking at these buildings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5IailIzqdc
Eujis 7 years ago
We do~ But I feel like this Chinese knockoff kind of topic is more to the internet's liking so it appears a lot.
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#9
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
JillVille Child Care 7 years ago
Chinese statue has better abs, but the Parisian one has better calves, lol
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
Yep. You can't have everything. Even as a statue :-D
Load More Replies... noitall man 7 years ago
chinese version looks like a crazy homeless dude... Paris one looks like art
#10
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Anthony Talak 7 years ago
Have the Chinese ever had an original thought or just always ripped off everything and anything?
Lara L. 7 years ago
I do understand altough I just started learning Spanish :) :)
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#11
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#12
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Kasia Siwa 7 years ago
Look at all the air conditioners and c**p on the outside of the building. You don't see that in Paris there's an ordinance against that. Plus in the spring through summer all the balconies have a ton of flowers spilling over this is def out of season chinas climate is different compare it during the summer instead of winter
joanne lin 7 years ago
why not just call it air conditioners and leave out "c**p"....
Load More Replies... Cees Timmerman 7 years ago
Paris all the way. China doesn't appear to care about architecture in this photo.
#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.
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
Isn't there a British town somewhere ... in Asia as well I think. With the same problem of missing population?
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
That's a pity. Such places need a little bit of crowded feel ... not as much as Paris though. Just wondering whether they have little bars and restaurants as well ... 2000 people is not really much especially for China.
#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.
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
This O-N-E bicycle in the Chinese Paris. Epic. Laughing to tears just imagining the streets of Beijing
Kerri Russ 7 years ago
There are only balconies on the top of the China building... and no laundry on the Paris building.
Alexandra Guglielmi 7 years ago
That's because the Paris building is an hotel.
Load More Replies... #15
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#16
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Kat K 7 years ago
It just sad, that people on the bottom picture, in real Louvre, seems to be more intrested in taking selfies with it, then actually looking at the painting...
Veronica Vatter 7 years ago
You can't really get close enough to see much detail anyway
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Csaba Hegedűs 7 years ago
It's sad to see on the bottom picture that the visitors are caring not for the picture itself, but for taking a photo of themselves to show off they were there. I hope for the time where we start appreciating art again, and showing off on social media will start being embarrassing, as it should be.
Sioux White 7 years ago
Problem is the lines in the louvre to see it you get a mear second to glance at it and it's easier to take the selfie from as distance than actually queue to see it close. Time better spent exploring the napoleon rooms
Debbie Andersson 7 years ago
Even I own a copy of Mona Lisa, I mean, owning the original is impossible anyway. ( tough mine looks better then the chinese :) )
#17
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
julien 7 years ago
Paris is famous in the world for being depressing ! Jeu-de-pis...061974.jpg 
#18
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Csaba Hegedűs 7 years ago
Pretty much. Such 'ripoffs' you could easily find in any bigger European city like Budapest, Wien, Prague, etc.
Load More Replies... #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
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
That face, the guy looks pretty weird. Maybe uncomfortable being accompanied by a toothless lion ... hahaha ... sorry French naked guy wins 12 points
#21
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cosmin Ionascu 7 years ago
Honestly I don't see the resemblance in this. Even the pavement is different. And a lot of cities have carriages; and they are totally different!
#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...
Margot Piasecka 7 years ago
ooops ... whaaaat ... come on, I'm sure the artist got paid very small money and this is their revenge
#25
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#26
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cosmin Ionascu 7 years ago
You're right. The real one has 324 m while the other is only 108 m. This picture is kinda b******t. I don't even understand what it's trying to say.
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#27
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cosmin Ionascu 7 years ago
Buildings, pavement and a lamppost. This could be...well, any city. Plus, the Chinese version has cars, not people. Not a copy.
Chris Rickards 7 years ago
Here in the US these things are painted bright yellow so people don't run over them, yet they still manage to.
#29
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
#31
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cosmin Ionascu 7 years ago
Soooo what you're trying to say here is that every other city in the world copied Paris...Because you know, people live there, so it must have copied Paris. This post is really getting ridiculous.
Xiaomeng Yuan 7 years ago
So when you asked the old lady to pose for your picture, did you mentioned how you gonna use her image in a disrespectful way? Shame on you.
#32
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cosmin Ionascu 7 years ago
No!!! You don't understand! The Chinese copied Paris damn it! It has grass and trees! Definitely a ripoff.
Load More Replies... #33
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Lisa Chambers 7 years ago
Black and white checkerboard floor at the ground floor landing of the Queen's staircase. Been there since the 1680's. The flooring was installed to evoke the imperial splendors of ancient Rome. Any palace in France evokes that in my humble opinion.
Load More Replies... #34
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cosmin Ionascu 7 years ago
Ah come on guys, seriously!? I've seen dozens of cities with spheres like that on the pavement. Don't go the Apple way, nobody holds a patent for a rectangle as no one holds a patent for a bloody sphere!
#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.
Andrew Gibb 7 years ago
the couple in China look like they don't want to be together- her hand is a closed fist, he looks bored and as if his mother dressed him for his first day at school
#38
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Cosmin Ionascu 7 years ago
Hahahahahaha! This is the best one. Seriously. It should be at the FREAKIN' TOP!
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#39
Top: China, Bottom: Paris
Add New Image
What do you think ?
chris a 7 years ago
Am I the only one noticing that this is all only within a 1-2 mile area? is this a purposeful theme.. I've never been to China but it seems like this is just a theme for a town and that's it
Sha Lyu 7 years ago
Truth, as a Chinese I've never heard of a place like this...
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Lu 7 years ago
Well nobody will ever mistake any city in China for Paris, but hey...these buildings look nice anyway.
Sophster 7 years ago
in dutch we say; better stolen well than to come up yourself with something awful
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Veronica Zhu 7 years ago
There's a whole book on this phenomenon http://www.biancabosker.com/original-copies/
joanne lin 7 years ago
China may be copying Paris a lot in these, but as a person who's lived in China a third of my life I honestly feel really uncomfortable with a lot of the comments that were disrespectful to one or both countries. Some of these honestly aren't even China copying Paris, it's literally just common architecture being re-used.
Ann Jeppesen 7 years ago
Why are the replica first in every picture? I know the photographer was Chinese, but the most common is to display the original and then the replica. I know it's a small thing, but it kind of bugs me.
chris a 7 years ago
Am I the only one noticing that this is all only within a 1-2 mile area? is this a purposeful theme.. I've never been to China but it seems like this is just a theme for a town and that's it
Sha Lyu 7 years ago
Truth, as a Chinese I've never heard of a place like this...
Load More Replies... Lu 7 years ago
Well nobody will ever mistake any city in China for Paris, but hey...these buildings look nice anyway.
Sophster 7 years ago
in dutch we say; better stolen well than to come up yourself with something awful
Load More Replies... Veronica Zhu 7 years ago
There's a whole book on this phenomenon http://www.biancabosker.com/original-copies/
joanne lin 7 years ago
China may be copying Paris a lot in these, but as a person who's lived in China a third of my life I honestly feel really uncomfortable with a lot of the comments that were disrespectful to one or both countries. Some of these honestly aren't even China copying Paris, it's literally just common architecture being re-used.
Ann Jeppesen 7 years ago
Why are the replica first in every picture? I know the photographer was Chinese, but the most common is to display the original and then the replica. I know it's a small thing, but it kind of bugs me.
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