Chinese developer unveils replica Austrian village

DHAKA: A group of Austrians whose scenic mountain village has been copied down to the statues by a Chinese developer attended Saturday’s opening in China for the high-end residential project, but were still miffed about how the company did it.

Minmetals Land’s replica of Hallstatt, a quaint Austrian alpine hamlet, is located in subtropical southern China, report agencies.

The original is a centuries-old village of 800 people and a UNESCO heritage site that survives on tourism.

The copycat is a housing estate that thrives on China’s new rich. China is famous for pirated products, and the replica Hallstatt sets a new standard.

The Chinese Hallstatt features a church spire, a town square ringed by pastel-coloured buildings and angel statues.

They are among architectural flourishes inspired by the original.

BDST: 2122 HRS, JUN 2, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor