AN ADVENTUROUS traveler has rediscovered a little-known $170 million Chinese town that’s nearly a carbon copy of a US city.
The resort town that lies just two hours outside Beijing is filled with kitschy slices of American culture, from cowboy decor to fast food.
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In a now-viral video, YouTuber Drew Binksy got a first-hand look at the bizarre gated community that’s directly based on Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
At first, he was left stunned by the lack of foot traffic as he noticed that many businesses and restaurants were closed, despite open signs hanging prominently in the windows.
After he struck up a conversation with locals, he learned that many residents worked in the city during the week, and enjoyed their properties over the weekend.
Despite coming in off hours, Binksy still managed to enjoy the America-themed offerings, like a sizzling steak, with corn, pepper steak sauce, and fries.
Binksy recorded the wild architecture, which mirrors Western ranch homes. There are even American-style churches and Tesla chargers sprinkled throughout the community.
The streets exude wild west themes by showing off faux log cabins, saloon-style bars, and wagon wheels.
Binksy interviewed a resident who says houses are reselling for up to one million dollars now that properties are sold out.
For many residents, Jackson Hole, China, is less about mimicking the American West in detail and more about capturing escape, the resident said.
Binksy’s video also mentions that not every person can afford to travel abroad, and this is a way to experience that.
CREATION OF THE COWBOY TOWN
When the gated community was being developed, planners knew they wanted to base it on an idyllic American town.
They considered Martha’s Vineyard, a Massachusetts island where elite families like the Obamas have homes, and the ski resort town of Vail, Colorado.
However, developers eventually settled on Jackson Hole – a recently booming valley town positioned at the foothills of the majestic Teton Mountains.
In the bizarre Chinese town, visitors will be greeted with uncanny cowboy imagery and aesthetics that highlight the small-town American dream.
This town also replicates venues like Jackson Hole’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a Western stage for “cowboy stunts,” and even a gold-panning area for kids.
But one of the community’s most important features can’t be seen by visitors.
According to builders, they wanted to establish a feeling of faith among every resident who buys property.
Liu Xiangyang, the developer of Jackson Hole, China, said that he wanted to give buyers “freedom and spirituality” if they become a part of the community, Cowboy State Daily reported.
He said that they hope to achieve this, in part, by building a small chapel that fits the “heartland America” vibe.
China’s other copycat cities
- Tianducheng (Hangzhou) – Replica of Paris, France – Opened in 2007
- Hallstatt (Huizhou, Guangdong) – Replica of Hallstatt, Austria – Opened in 2012
- Halian (Liaoning) – Replica of Venice, Italy – Opened in 2015
- Thames Town (Songjiang, Shanghai) – Replica of London / English market towns – Completed in 2006
PROPERTY BREAKDOWN
In 2014, about 1,000 to 1,500 homes were built, at initial prices of roughly $180,000 to $330,000, according to The Atlantic.
Since then, it has tripled, making it a refuge for affluent buyers who need a respite from bustling Beijing.
Today, the suburb boasts up to 3,000 homes and is nearly sold out.
Cui Zhongtao, who bought his weekend home for about $145,000, described the place as a sanctuary.
“Reality keeps me from living in America […] but when I saw the lifestyle there, I wished one day I could live the same way,” he told CBS News.
Jackson Hole isn’t the only replica city in China.
The country has uncanny versions of Paris, Venice, and a small English town.
