Chinese City Copying.

Like in most booming cities, urban planners seek solutions for the growing demand of housing space, as usual, they go for suburbs. But in the case of Shanghai it's built in a distinctive style - an Italian town inspired by Venice, a German town (maybe with a lot of insulation), a Swedish town, etc. The most famous test-tube-town is Thames town - an urban simulation of a British town.

Thames Town even has its own church, complete with stained-glass windows and a towering spire. It's mainly being used now as a backdrop for wedding photographs. (source: npr)

Of course the developer's motivation is only commercial - maybe western style sells better?

"People in Shanghai are looking for something different," said Liu Wei, of the municipal management company. "Our target is young, wealthy consumers who can adapt easily to a new lifestyle." (source: guardian)