China’s replica of Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon coming in 2022
After years of discussion, work is due to begin soon to recreate key parts of Stratford-upon-Avon in a development which will also pay homage to ‘China’s Shakespeare’ Tang Xianzu and Spain’s Miguel de Cervantes
A long-held dream to recreate the birthplaces of English playwright William Shakespeare and his Chinese contemporary, Tang Xianzu, in one new town is set to become a reality by 2022 in southeast China.
Construction of the tourist town near Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, is expected to begin soon after the final hurdle was cleared on Friday with a contract signed between the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Britain and the Fuzhou authorities.
The new town Sanweng – which means ‘Three Masters’ – will also honour Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote the novel Don Quixote. All three died in 1616. Tang, who was born in Fuzhou, is widely regarded as China’s greatest playwright.
Plans for the town have been at least two years in the making since Fuzhou and Stratford signed an agreement to establish friendly relations in April 2016.
All the world’s a stage for Chinese city that wants to recreate Shakespeare’s hometown
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, a British charity which manages historical properties connected with Shakespeare and his family, will provide consulting services for the project.
The trust will share archaeological details of the properties to be recreated with local government developers so they can remain true to the original buildings in Britain.