West Rises in China’s Back Yard

Social mobility in China means more comfortable and attractive homes, and developers move fast to build homes and offices with a Western aesthetic. In Beijing, small housing developments such as Venice Aquatic City and Thames Town are modeled after villages scattered throughout Europe. Many Chinese associate foreign styles with wealth, and view their investment in such developments as a step up on the social ladder. While some consumers demand absolute authenticity, others regard the trend as a form of “self-colonization.” – YaleGlobal