Little Paris Far East

For many years I had heard about Tiandu Cheng. For many years, I had told myself that going there wasn’t that much worth it. I thought it wasn’t so grand, so overwhelming and that everything I had read, here and there, was exaggerated.

In 2019, I found myself in nearby Hangzhou and decided to go there and see for myself. I had arrived early as I had planned to make my way back to where I stayed around noon.

I was still there, shooting pictures by 7pm.

Tiandu Cheng is more than just some pure 21st century Haussmanian architecture to entertain the local Chinese «nouveau riche». It’s a concrete dream that summarize the fascination of some Chinese people for the western culture and its past. Anything copied from the western world seems to have some sort of appeal: buildings, clothing, landscapes, the list is long...

I was there on a weekday but still, newly weds were roaming the streets and nearby parks, people kept moving in or visiting flats, while curious from all over had made their way there for a nice day out of town.

I left with many questions in my mind: what were these people really looking for, how would this place aged and what would I find there if I came back in 10 or 20 years.

I’ve heard that since then, the new city is now fully built, few flats are left, the subway can bring you there, and lovers still roam its streets looking for the essence of French romance.

In this little Paris, far East.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-01-25. A 3D map of the future city of Tianducheng, seen in the office of a local real estate promoter. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred

China, Tianducheng, 2019-01-25. A 3D map of the future city of Tianducheng, seen in the office of a local real estate promoter. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A view of a replica of the Eiffel Tower, seen from the window of a local cafe. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Phot

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A view of a replica of the Eiffel Tower, seen from the window of a local cafe. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Chinese women rehearsing dance moves, under a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Chinese women rehearsing dance moves, under a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Chinese road signs on a street leading to a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Chinese road signs on a street leading to a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A sticker, printed with an English mistake, welcoming future buyers in the elevator of a newly built condominium. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A sticker, printed with an English mistake, welcoming future buyers in the elevator of a newly built condominium. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A real estate agent posing by the balcony of one of the housing units for sale in the city. With an average price of 250 000 euros for over 200m2, these flats stand way under Paris city real estate s prices. Made to be

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A real estate agent posing by the balcony of one of the housing units for sale in the city. With an average price of 250 000 euros for over 200m2, these flats stand way under Paris city real estate s prices. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A real estate agent holding his cellphone to explain in details how many flats are being built in a part of the city. With an average price of 250 000 euros for over 200m2, these flats stand way under Paris city real e

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A real estate agent holding his cellphone to explain in details how many flats are being built in a part of the city. With an average price of 250 000 euros for over 200m2, these flats stand way under Paris city real estate s prices. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A Chinese woman wearing shoes with a French label sticking out, standing by one of the condominium s main entrance. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A Chinese woman wearing shoes with a French label sticking out, standing by one of the condominium s main entrance. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. CCTV and motion detectors, seen under a Chinese flag, on the first floor of a newly built condominium. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. CCTV and motion detectors, seen under a Chinese flag, on the first floor of a newly built condominium. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Buildings made to imitate Paris Haussmanian architecture, overloaded with satellite dishes, laundry drying and air conditioning units. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s constru

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Buildings made to imitate Paris Haussmanian architecture, overloaded with satellite dishes, laundry drying and air conditioning units. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A construction worker is seen taking a break on the edge of a building. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A construction worker is seen taking a break on the edge of a building. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A French Poodle seen sitting by the entrance of a store selling art prints. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A French Poodle seen sitting by the entrance of a store selling art prints. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Perspective over the city, seen from a park laid out like the gardens of Versailles castle, France. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Perspective over the city, seen from a park laid out like the gardens of Versailles castle, France. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Chinese wedding guests taking a break in a park laid out like the gardens of Versailles castle, France. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Chinese wedding guests taking a break in a park laid out like the gardens of Versailles castle, France. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Two young Chinese girls having undergone plastic surgery, posing on a swing for a photo opportunity in one the city s parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction bega

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Two young Chinese girls having undergone plastic surgery, posing on a swing for a photo opportunity in one the city s parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A young Chinese woman sitting with two pedigree dogs by a lake, in one the city s parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery /

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A young Chinese woman sitting with two pedigree dogs by a lake, in one the city s parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A group of young Chinese teenagers riding electric pocket bikes by a lake, in one the city s parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A group of young Chinese teenagers riding electric pocket bikes by a lake, in one the city s parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A western girl working as a model, posing in new outfits by a lake, in one the city s parks. Mimicking almost perfectly the European architecture, the area is often used for various fashion shoots in order to cut the p

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A western girl working as a model, posing in new outfits by a lake, in one the city s parks. Mimicking almost perfectly the European architecture, the area is often used for various fashion shoots in order to cut the production costs. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A young girl taking a break under a concrete tree falling apart. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A young girl taking a break under a concrete tree falling apart. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Various attractions built for lovers, including a place to attach Love Locks like in most European capitals, seen in a park of the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s const

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Various attractions built for lovers, including a place to attach Love Locks like in most European capitals, seen in a park of the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A newly wed celebrates with his friends, following a western style express wedding taking place in one of the local parks of the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s constru

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A newly wed celebrates with his friends, following a western style express wedding taking place in one of the local parks of the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Newly weds on a traditional wedding, marching through one of the local parks of the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. Newly weds on a traditional wedding, marching through one of the local parks of the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A construction worker repainting a building to make it look like a medieval building, in one of the parks surrounding the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction b

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A construction worker repainting a building to make it look like a medieval building, in one of the parks surrounding the city. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A young Chinese girl posing by a fake Royal state coach in one of the city s local parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A young Chinese girl posing by a fake Royal state coach in one of the city s local parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A janitor seen cleaning the stairs leading to a fountain, built to imitate the fountains located in the gardens of Versailles castle, France. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A janitor seen cleaning the stairs leading to a fountain, built to imitate the fountains located in the gardens of Versailles castle, France. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A succession of fake antique statues and modern swings in one of the city s local parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery /

China, Tianducheng, 2019-03-22. A succession of fake antique statues and modern swings in one of the city s local parks. Made to be built like a Chinese mock-up of the city of Paris, Tianducheng s construction began in 2007. Photograph by Fred Mery / Koga Photos.

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