20 Non-European Towns That Are Straight Out of a Fairytale
16. Hallstatt, China: A Surreal Replica with Real Charm
In the Guangdong province of China, there’s a town that feels oddly familiar—because it’s a near-exact replica of the Austrian village Hallstatt. Built by a Chinese mining company with remarkable precision, this fairytale clone blends European Alpine charm with local flair. Mist curls over tiled rooftops, swans glide across a manmade lake, and pastel buildings mirror their Western counterparts. While purists scoff at its imitation roots, visitors are often stunned by the beauty and surreal tranquility. It’s a strange kind of magic—part homage, part reinvention—and it offers a whimsical, photogenic detour for travelers craving the unexpected.
