Millionaire to build Chinese Hollywood
One hundred and forty eight years ago, the Garden of Perfect Brightness (also known as Old Summer Palace) - a famous Chinese landmark was burnt down and pillaged by the British and French during the Opium War. The garden desiplayed its beauty through its many lakes, gardens and palaces that entertained and pleasured many emperors. At present day, a rags to riches Chinese millionaire named Xu Wenrong hope to, in his words, ‘wipe away this disgrace’ through the construction of an imitation of the 18th Century garden that has become a memorial of national humiliation.
Mr. Xu, who made his fortune from the entertainment industry will be recreating this ‘Chinese Hollywood’ as Mr. Xu describes it as, in Zhejian which will be used for Chinese imperial soap operas and as a tourist attraction - combining his patriotism and instinct of a good business opportunity. The idea faired well with China’s Communist Party, winning their approval.
The 400 hectare garden near Hengdian Town is predicted by Mr. Xu’s company, Hengdian Group to take 5 years (Opens in 2013). Something to add to your places-to-vist list in China soon?
If you are in a very generous mood in ‘restoring China’s wealth and cultural pride, you can help donate some of the 20 billion yuan ($A3.09 billion) that is required to complete the project. People who donate 500 million yuan or more would be honoured with full-body golden statues of themselves on the site.
Source:
TheFirstPost
SMH