China is proud of its history, but much of it has been lost to fires, wars, looting, and revolutions. To fill this gap, the country has been building fake historic sites, known as fanggu, or “historical imitation” attractions. These sites are designed to look like ancient villages, complete with glistening palaces, majestic boulevards, and every detail curated to create an immersive experience.

Fanggu Villages

One such site is Gubei, a fake ancient village located at the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. Gubei was constructed in 2014 by a state-backed enterprise and has become a popular tourist destination, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors. For a fee, tourists can dress up in traditional costumes, take part in activities such as archery and hot springs, and even have a professional photoshoot.

Another popular destination is Datang Everbright City, a fake city that recreates the Tang Dynasty. The city is complete with red pagodas, lantern-lit pavilions, and a bustling nightlife. Tourists can take part in activities such as “time-traveling” weddings, where they can dress up in different costumes and have a photoshoot that takes them through different centuries.

Tourist Reactions

While some tourists enjoy the immersive experience provided by these fake historic sites, others feel tricked by the lack of authenticity. Minyada “Minnie” Chotichaicharin, a Thai exchange student, visited Gubei and was disappointed to learn that it was not an ancient village. “I wouldn’t mind that it’s rebuilt,” she said, “but it’s hard to not feel tricked.”

Despite the mixed reactions, these fake historic sites have become a significant part of China’s tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors each year. The sites have also become popular on social media, with many tourists sharing their experiences and photos online.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.