A beloved tourist destination in the UK is set to be rebuilt in China.
Stratford-Upon-Avon, an idyllic town in the West Midlands, is known for its quaint shops, welcoming pubs, and stunning landscapes. It is also the birthplace of Shakespeare.
The market town, with its historic buildings, views of the River Avon and wealth of museums, is particularly popular among Chinese visitors, leading to this unique project.
The city of Fuzhou in China is building a copy of Stratford, complete with a recreation of Shakespeare’s birthplace, several streets and even the River Avon.
This will form part of a larger project named Sanweng, or ‘Three Masters’, which aims to honour three literary giants – Shakespeare, Cervantes, who will be commemorated with a ‘Little Alcala’, and Tang Xianzu, a local writer.
All three authors passed away in 1616. Phillipa Rawlinson from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust noted during a 2016 visit: “There is an enormous interest for Shakespeare in China.
“The trust has had a long working relationship with cultural organisations to promote Shakespeare’s works life and times to Chinese audiences.”
For those keen to trace the steps of the Bard, there’s a wealth of sights to see in the Warwickshire town. Start with Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where you can wander through the house and gardens where he spent his childhood.
Other must-sees include the schoolroom where he learned to read and write, as well as Anne Hathaway’s childhood home (Shakespeare’s wife, not the Hollywood star).
As you’d expect, the town is brimming with theatres, showcasing a host of modern-day productions. And when hunger strikes, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from high-end restaurants to relaxed pubs and cafes serving up traditional British fare.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal is also worth a visit if you fancy a leisurely walk along the River Avon, with an array of artwork, shops and eateries lining the walking routes. Plus, there are plenty of canal boat tours on offer if you prefer to take in the views from the water.
With over 800 years of history, there’s so much more to uncover in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The good news is that there are numerous walking tours throughout the town where you can learn about some of the highlights.
And don’t forget to carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the bustling farmer’s market.
If you’re keen to experience the charm of the area first-hand, there’s a wealth of hotels to choose from. The area is also well-connected with convenient transport links from Birmingham and London.