Along the River During the Qingming Festival

The are physical versions of the famous Chinese painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" in Kaifeng (Henan Province) and Hengdian World Studio (Zhejiang Province) now. The original long scroll painting was painted by Zhang Zeduan (early 12th Century), Song Dynasty, depicting the life and market of the ancient city Kaifeng, then there were many other versions in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Zhang Zeduan, "Along the River During the Qingming Festival", early 12th Century

The park of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival", Kaifeng, Henan Province

"Along the River During the Qingming Festival", Hengdian World Studio, Zhejiang Province

It seems there are competitions between Kaifeng and Hengdian, like many versions of the scroll paintings. The one in Kaifeng launched in 1998, 2nd phase in 2005, and 3rd phase coming soon; the one in Hengdian was in use since 1998 as well. The one in Kaifeng has about 600 acres in land, 180 acres of water area, 50 ancient boats, 400 rooms, and constructions area of 30,000 sqm (300,000 sqf), with 300million Chinese Yuan ($40million) investment for 1st 2 phases; while the one in Hengdian is about 800 ares in land and 100,000 sqm (1 million sqf). They are so-called built in “1:1” scale, but where is it from, because the buildings of Song Dynasty don’t almost exist anymore, and few drawings are left? Tourists are really willing to spend much money on these fake antiquities, and every city needs one, their own version.

[images via landscape china & wikipedia & xinhua net & lotour]