Dayong Old Town in Zhangjiajie has reopened after refurbishment, prompting discussion of how such large-investment heritage-style attractions are run.

Replica old towns have been built across many parts of China. Recreating historic streetscapes and filling them with shops and performances is common, but retention of visitors varies widely by location.

The problem cited is sameness. When similar facades and similar retail mixes repeat, the motive to visit weakens and usage falls once the opening effect fades.

The refurbishment emphasised operational detail: how local stories, crafts and food are arranged, and how tenancy structures are designed, determine how long visitors actually stay.

Zhangjiajie is known for mountain scenery, so attaching urban content to itineraries built around natural landscapes is the practical challenge.

Tourist-district regeneration is a recurring theme elsewhere too, with cases where restoring old streets revived commerce and cases where rising rents displaced residents and long-standing shops.

Travellers do well to check timing and fee structures in advance, since operating hours and access can be adjusted in the early period after reopening.