The controversial Chinese replica of Austria's UNESCO World Heritage village opened its doors to visitors in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong last week offering a "made in China" version of the pastel-colored village of Hallstatt, complete with a replica of its church's clock tower.
When news of the Chinese Hallstatt first surfaced a year ago, residents at Hallstatt gave mixed responses, with some threatening legal action. But the government of Hallstatt has since decided the twin-town could be a living advertisement for the scenic village.
"It was not so controversial," said Hallstatt Mayor Alexander Scheutz."We were only surprised that a all village in Austria was built and now we are very proud that it happened."
The Chinese version of Hallstatt is a 30-minute ride from Huizhou and hopes to attract both tourists and property investors. Disney-themed photo spots are scattered around the village's main plaza modeled after Hallstatt's marketplace.
"The moment I stepped foot in there, I felt I was in Europe," said Huizhou resident Zhu Bin."The security guards wear nice costumes and all the houses are built in a European style."
The salt-mining town of Hallstatt has a history dating back to around 900 to 400 BC. The village's main appeal is its natural surroundings and serene atmosphere, signature qualities that some, at first, felt needed to be protected.
"First we were a bit insecure. Why did they want to replicate Hallstatt?" said Hallstatt Director of Touri Pamela Binder."And then we felt lucky and proud. Everybody who lives here in Salzkammergut is a very proud person anyway. And we are even prouder now that they have built a copy of Hallstatt in China."
Thousands of Chinese tourists fly to the Austrian town every year. The two countries marked 40 years of friendship last year.
