I Landed In China and Found Venice

$1 Billion Taste Of Venice in Dalian China

China is no stranger to massive feats of architecture as it has become the new norm here. With the completion, in Dalian, of what expats have coined “Little Venice" and referred to as “East Montage” in Chinese this impressive site will take you right out of China into the heart of Italy. It boasts more than 2 km of water canals including traditional Italian gondola rides. With a Billion dollar price tag and no expense spared I expect Gladiators fighting lions.
Thumbs up if that happens.

It’s no wonder China’s current president Xi Jin Ping is rather anti western. China has slowly but progressively transformed into a wonderland of western replicas scattered across the country. As a Canadian living here for several years I am always surprised at how little traditional Chinese architecture I see when I explore the city.

Dalian in particular has had strong Japanese and Russian influences, relics from the occupation during wars long past, but even most of that has been demolished and replaced in modern western style. Very little is what a westerner would expect to see in China when they get to Dalian.

Let’s see what’s next for Dalian with its new 5 year plan. One thing we know for sure is it’s moving forward and the skies are still blue most days.