To Britain and back in three hours

The other day, I went to London, toured around the city and took some fantastic photos. 

Three hours later, I returned to Shanghai city.

Don’t believe me?

So I didn’t actually go to the real London. Of course not. Instead, I paid a visit to Thames Town, a reconstruction of London.

This adventure definitely trumped the Expo – any day. Not only did we enter a town that resembled London like a postcard you’d buy on Oxford Street, we literally roamed the streets alone, save for a few newly-weds including this couple here, dressed up in traditional Cruella de Vil attire (strange, since we’re London, not Paris):

For the first time, Australia and I ventured into an area with few to zero people. A shocking experience for two expats who live in an over-populated city: No matter where you go in Shanghai, you’ll see people.

Not in Thames Town.

Instead, Thames Town features a reconstruction of London town, brick for brick, mortar for mortar, design by design.

The last time I went to London I lived in a hostel located in Kensington, where overly-priced but beautiful white English townhouses and short black fences surround mini parks. The empty streets in Thames Town resembled a Hollywood movie set, like the one from Sherlock Holmes.

Without cheating, can you guess which one is fake and which one is real?

Then again, it’s quite obvious given that the one on the right features Chinese characters.

Of course, the real McCoy is always better. London remains one of my favourite cities in the world, simply for both its energy and classical look. Talking about it here makes me long for the Brits (and the Dutch too).

Located in Songjiang University Town, Thames Town is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the metro station. Our wonderful taxi driver gave us a private tour and even let us get off the cab to take photos and then get back on when we finished viewing the town (he knew we couldn’t bear the 40-degree weather).

Thames Town was built as part of a project dubbed “One City Nine Towns.” Launched in 2004, this project will ultimately see the construction of nine international towns.

The project will include: a Spanish, Swedish, German, American, Dutch, Italian and two traditional Chinese Towns. With the exception of English and Swedish Town, the rest are still under construction.

What do you think? Perhaps it’s a useful way to introduce the Chinese people to new cultures. A kind of “Vegas of the East” concept.