China adds new string to its imitation bow

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SONGJIANG, China, Nov 6 (Reuters) China, often regarded as the copycat capital of the world with fake designer bags and even counterfeit cars, has added a new string to its imitation bow -- an English town.

An hour's drive from Shanghai's skyscrapers in the suburb of Songjiang lies Thames Town, complete with pub, fish-and-chip shop and even a bronze statue of British wartime leader Winston Churchill.

There is a neo-Gothic church as well as Georgian- and Victorian-style terraced houses that would not look out of place in the poshest parts of London.

''I wanted the properties to look exactly the same as those in the United Kingdom,'' James Ho, the director of privately owned Shanghai Henghe Real Estate Co Ltd, one of the town's five developers.

''I think English properties are very special. When we decide to learn from others, we should not make any improvements or changes. I emphasized this policy to my staff,'' he told Reuters.

The development, which cost about 5 billion yuan (635 million dollars), is expected to house 10,000 people.

Most of the houses have been sold, however, the town is hardly bustling: few residents have moved in and most of the shops are not yet open for business.

During a recent visit, the only signs of life were couples in heavy make-up having their wedding snaps taken.

''I can't find such unique buildings in Shanghai's city center,'' said Emily Ma, before having a wedding picture taken.

''I just love Western-style buildings,'' she gushed.