China is proud of its history, but much of it has been lost to fires, wars, looting, and revolutions. To combat this, the country has built ‘fanggu’ villages, which are entire faux-ancient villages constructed from scratch. These villages offer tourists a chance to experience ancient history, complete with glistening palaces, majestic boulevards, and every detail curated to create an immersive experience.
Fanggu Villages
Modern consumers are increasingly willing to pay for emotional value, seeking deeper engagement and cultural meaning through immersive experiences. For many domestic travelers frustrated with a stagnant economy, fanggu villages seem to offer the perfect escape. For an average of just $15, one can choose from hundreds of ready-made traditional costumes, and for another $10, they can unlock the full package, including makeup, accessories, professional photography, and post-production editing.
Foreign visitors are also joining in, drawn by the unique experience offered by these villages. However, some are frustrated by the lack of authenticity, feeling tricked into believing they are experiencing real history. Despite this, the villages remain popular, with many tourists enjoying the escape they offer.
Xi’an and Xinjiang
Xi’an, once the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, has built its own ‘city that never sleeps.’ Datang Everbright City is a frenetic revival of the Golden Age of the Tang Dynasty, complete with red pagodas and Chinese EDM. The city is also home to ‘time-traveling’ weddings, where couples can experience a multi-century montage of romance.
Xinjiang, a region in northwestern China, is home to several of China’s Muslim ethnic minorities, including the Uyghurs. The region has been rebranded as a colorful ‘window to the world,’ with many travelers flocking to Kashgar, an oasis outpost boasting two millennia of history. However, Kashgar Old City was controversially demolished and rebuilt over a decade ago, leaving some tourists feeling like they are experiencing a sanitized, modernized replica of what was once the center of Uyghur cultural life.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
