HISTORIC GEM
Picturesque English town dating back to 7th century is so popular with tourists that China is building its own version
The town has a famous river, which is set to be recreated
A PRETTY English town has become so popular with Chinese tourists the country is building its own version.
Stratford-Upon-Avon, famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is being recreated in a theme park in the city of Fuzhou.
9
9
9
9
The theme park is dedicated to three great writers: William Shakespeare from Stratford, Miguel de Cervantes from Spain, and Tang Xianzu from China.
Shakespeare is the most famous English author and his plays are recited and studied throughout the world, 400 years after his death.
A whopping 6million tourists visit Stratford every year, mostly to see the home of the great bard.
The recreation will have a copy of Shakespeare's birthplace, several streets, the Holy Trinity Church, and a version of the River Avon for tourists to enjoy.
Fuzhou is a major city about six hours south of Shanghai and boasts a population of 8million people, while Stratford has only 30,000 residents.
Senwang, as the theme park is called, was reportedly supposed to be finished building in 2022, but China's harsh Covid lockdowns and the border restrictions means it remains uncompleted.
Documents showing images of the plans detail the landmarks looking relatively authentic.
Theatres would also be built in the park and plays by each author would be acted out.
Most read in Travel
All three of the writers died in 1616.
Nearby, a mall, a restaurant area, and a health area including hot spring spas would be built.
Sir Ian McKellen says he believes Shakespeare’s Hamlet was bisexual
In 2016, officials from Stratford and Shakespeare charities travelled to Fuzhou to see the project.
Philippa Rawlinson, director of operations at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, in 2016: “There is an enormous interest for Shakespeare in China and the trust has had a long working relationship with cultural organisations to promote Shakespeare’s works, life and times to Chinese audiences.
”We’re excited to work with the Fuzhou government to learn how Shakespeare’s legacy can be celebrated in the hometown of China’s national poet.“
For Brits, getting to the real Stratford is a little easier and cheaper than getting to eastern China.
The town has all kinds of places to stay, from homely B&Bs to historic houses and luxurious country estates.
The Sun visited the town and found it to be oozing history.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The romantic region of South Warwickshire is crammed with traditional market towns, small villages and excellent walking trails through peaceful fields and rolling hills that make it a ramblers’ paradise.
Another Chinese city has a replica of the Eiffel Tower and Paris.
9
9
9
9
9
Topics