Fake it till you make it: World’s 5 most convincing copycat cities

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and some cities have taken this to the next level by recreating iconic landmarks and entire cityscapes. Whether due to admiration, tourism appeal, or economic ambition, these places offer a surreal déjà vu experience. Here are seven of the world’s most convincing copycat cities:

Thames Town, which is close to Shanghai, is an exact recreation of a classic English village. This town was constructed as part of a development project to provide a European-style getaway, complete with cobblestone streets, red telephone booths, and even a Gothic church. Even though it never really took off as a residential area, it is nevertheless a well-liked location for wedding photographers and travellers who are looking for a taste of the English countryside in China.

China’s fascination with replicating Western cities continues in Tianducheng, a suburb of Hangzhou designed to resemble Paris. The town features Haussmann-style architecture, a replica of the Champs-Élysées, and even a 108-meter tall Eiffel Tower. Originally intended to house hundreds of thousands, it struggled with low occupancy for years but has since gained traction as a romantic getaway for local travelers.

The charming UNESCO World Heritage site Hallstatt, Austria, has a virtually similar twin in the Guangdong province of China. A Chinese mining business that appreciated the charm of the European village created this clone. To the initial surprise and annoyance of the people who lived in the actual town, the duplicate replicates the lakeside location, wooden chalets, and even the church towers of its Austrian counterpart. Since then, though, the two locations have developed cordial cultural exchanges.

Nicknamed the "Rome of the Middle East," Baalbek boasts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Its Grand Temple of Jupiter and the Bacchus Temple resemble those found in the Eternal City, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture. Though these structures are original, their striking similarity to those in Rome often misleads first-time visitors.

With its famed theme hotels that imitate iconic sites from throughout the world, Las Vegas is the epitome of copycat city. Luxor imitates ancient Egypt, Paris Las Vegas has a scaled-down Eiffel Tower, and the Venetian transports the waterways of Venice to the Nevada desert. Vegas demonstrates that imitation can become its own attraction when done in a lavish manner.