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NEWS
Queenstown, NZ, the latest addition to China's growing 'duplitecture' culture
POSTED 12 Jun 2014 . BY Tom Anstey
Queenstown is now known for its commerce-oriented tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism Credit: Shutterstock
China’s latest piece of ‘duplitecture’ – architectural replicas of tourist areas and attractions around the world – will be a CN¥10.8bn (US$1.7bn, €1.3bn, £1bn) recreation of Queenstown in New Zealand, alongside imitations of Davos in Switzerland and a Scottish-style town.

The planned ski resort will be built with a “Queenstown-type feel” and will sit near another “mini-Queenstown” which will feature a scenic man-made blue lake, ski fields, a forest train, alpine pastures, attractions and theme parks.

Details on the Scottish town and Davos replica are yet to be announced, with developers currently seeking architects for each project.

The masterplan for the multi-billion dollar investment has been awarded to Sydney-based PTW Architects, who built Auckland's Vero Centre and have masterplanned several large-scale projects worldwide.

Copycat architecture, is a growing trend for attractions in mainland China, with everything from London’s pubs to Venice’s canals and even entire cities.

Copycat attractions are also a popular trend in the country, with a replica Titanic attraction most recently announced.

An unnamed Chinese investment firm is working with the Australia-based Besgate Group to build the resort in Xi'an Province, which is scheduled to be open by 2020.

RELATED STORIES
  Maori tribe reveals hot pools and spa plans in Queenstown


Plans are in the works for a NZ$25m (£12.6m, US$20.6m, €15m) hot pools and spa complex in Queenstown, New Zealand expected to draw more than 300,000 customers annually.
MORE NEWS
Belgin Aksoy prepares to mark 15 years of Global Wellness Day on Saturday 13 June
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
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21-23 Jun 2026

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World Bathing Day

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Uniting the world of spa & wellness
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Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Queenstown, NZ, the latest addition to China's growing 'duplitecture' culture
POSTED 12 Jun 2014 . BY Tom Anstey
Queenstown is now known for its commerce-oriented tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism Credit: Shutterstock
China’s latest piece of ‘duplitecture’ – architectural replicas of tourist areas and attractions around the world – will be a CN¥10.8bn (US$1.7bn, €1.3bn, £1bn) recreation of Queenstown in New Zealand, alongside imitations of Davos in Switzerland and a Scottish-style town.

The planned ski resort will be built with a “Queenstown-type feel” and will sit near another “mini-Queenstown” which will feature a scenic man-made blue lake, ski fields, a forest train, alpine pastures, attractions and theme parks.

Details on the Scottish town and Davos replica are yet to be announced, with developers currently seeking architects for each project.

The masterplan for the multi-billion dollar investment has been awarded to Sydney-based PTW Architects, who built Auckland's Vero Centre and have masterplanned several large-scale projects worldwide.

Copycat architecture, is a growing trend for attractions in mainland China, with everything from London’s pubs to Venice’s canals and even entire cities.

Copycat attractions are also a popular trend in the country, with a replica Titanic attraction most recently announced.

An unnamed Chinese investment firm is working with the Australia-based Besgate Group to build the resort in Xi'an Province, which is scheduled to be open by 2020.

RELATED STORIES
Maori tribe reveals hot pools and spa plans in Queenstown


Plans are in the works for a NZ$25m (£12.6m, US$20.6m, €15m) hot pools and spa complex in Queenstown, New Zealand expected to draw more than 300,000 customers annually.
MORE NEWS
Belgin Aksoy prepares to mark 15 years of Global Wellness Day on Saturday 13 June
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth offers ocean-themed yoga for Global Wellness Day
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Glow beyond protection: meet Comfort Zone Hydramemory Hybrid Glow SPF 30
Sun protection is no longer just about shielding the skin – it's about enhancing it. [more...]

Spa Life – where spa leaders grow together
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Barr + Wray Ltd

Barr + Wray has more than 60 years’ experience in the design and delivery of world-class spa and wel [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

21-23 Jun 2026

Spa Life International (UK)

Midlands (Venue TBA), Liphook, United Kingdom
22-22 Jun 2026

World Bathing Day

Worldwide,
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
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LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS