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Tourism in China: Old walls in a new guise

06:33

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August 12, 2013

Everywhere in China, historical buildings are being reconstructed. What was persecuted as "feudalistic” and destroyed during Mao’s cultural revolution is now being promoted.

In Datong, the entire old town center is being turned upside down. Even old buildings are being torn down, so that full-sized beautified replicas of them can be built. Until now, Datong lived from coal mining. Because reserves are dwindling, the city is seeking a new long-term source of income in tourism. So a historical backdrop is being created for visitors. Whether it’s genuine or a reproduction doesn’t seem to matter.

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