Thames Town, British-styled district in Songjiang, China.
Thames Town is a residential district in Songjiang featuring buildings in the British style, including Victorian houses, Tudor-style structures, cobblestone streets, and red telephone boxes spread across about one square kilometer. The different housing types range from modern apartments to cottages, creating a mixed residential environment.
Thames Town was founded in 2001 by the Shanghai Planning Commission as part of a strategy to reduce population density in central Shanghai. The project was one of several new urban areas developed during this period to distribute residents to less crowded zones.
The district recreates British architectural styles, giving visitors a sense of stepping into another country within China. The buildings and public spaces invite people to wander and experience something that feels familiar to those who know European towns.
The district lies about 30 kilometers from central Shanghai and is accessible by public transportation or car. Visitors can walk freely through the streets to explore the various buildings and public spaces.
The district is popular with couples who use its architecture and public squares as backdrops for wedding photographs. This use has made it an unexpected destination for photography enthusiasts seeking a European feel without traveling far.
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