Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1The replica of Hallstatt in China was built by a Chinese mining company called Minmetals. The head of the company visited Hallstatt in Austria and liked it so much that he decided to rebuild it in China. (0:47)
- Tip 2Safety is a priority in the replica town, as evidenced by the foam padding placed to prevent accidental injuries from stone structures. (2:03)
- Tip 3Before visiting the town, Cori Ander read the Wikipedia article about it, noting the lack of citations in the German version, suggesting it may have been written by the company that built the town. (4:47)
- Tip 4The town is popular for wedding photos, although you cannot actually get married in the church. (5:34)
- Tip 5The upper floors of the buildings in the replica town are empty, suggesting the town is primarily for aesthetics and not for residential purposes. (7:42)
- Tip 6Large parts of the area surrounding the replica town are considered a ghost town or sleeping town, as many high-rises have not yet been fully occupied. (9:41)
- Tip 7You can go kayaking in the small lake, although the space is limited. (13:39)
- Tip 8The swan boats on the lake are electric, requiring no manual operation. (14:04)
Explore Cori Ander's captivating journey to China's astonishing replica of Hallstatt, a billion-dollar recreation of the Austrian town. This video offers a unique glimpse into the meticulous detail and surprising contrasts of this ambitious project, from its artificial lake to its unexpectedly quiet atmosphere. Discover the intriguing story behind its creation and uncover the blend of authenticity and artificiality that defines this one-of-a-kind destination.
More about the current video:( 15 / 15 )
This video follows Cori Ander as she explores a remarkable replica of the Austrian town of Hallstatt, located in Guangdong Province, China. Built at a cost of nearly one billion US dollars by the Minmetals Corporation, this detailed copy features an artificial lake designed to mirror Hallstatt's lakeside setting. Cori's exploration reveals a fascinating blend of imitation and reality. While the architecture and landscaping strive for authenticity, subtle details betray the town's artificial nature. Fake flowers, non-functional shops, and even fake books populate the meticulously crafted streets. The church, though open to visitors, lacks religious iconography, suggesting its purpose is primarily aesthetic.
The video highlights the town's popularity as a wedding photography location, a testament to its visual appeal despite its artificiality. Cori notes the lack of crowds on her Saturday visit, contrasting with the town's purported status as a top tourist attraction. She observes empty upper floors in the buildings, suggesting underutilization of the space.
The exploration continues to a wax museum, offering a unique cultural perspective. Cori comments on the depiction of figures, noting the prevalence of blue-eyed, light-skinned figures, which may reflect a certain perception of Western tourists in China. The video concludes with Cori crossing a glass bridge, a common feature in Chinese tourist attractions, and reflecting on the overall success of this ambitious project, questioning whether it lives up to its billing as a major tourist destination. The experience showcases a unique blend of cultural exchange and commentary on the complexities of global tourism and imitation.
