Life in Venice Ghost Town Escape.

On the east coast in Qidong, there is a massive, semi-abandoned housing complex designed to look exactly like Venice, Italy complete with canals, European sculptures, and private docks. While it was originally built for the wealthy, it’s now becoming a haven for young people fleeing the rat race of Shanghai. For just about 800 yuan a month, you can rent a three-bedroom apartment with a sea view. Instead of high-end gondolas, you’ll find locals in slippers fishing in the artificial canals next to deflated rubber ducks. It has become the ultimate slow life destination for those who want to live like they’re on a permanent, budget-friendly Italian vacation.

©YovaniBernard