These three theme parks revive the world of ancient China in a flash of spectacle. They were originally built as TV sets for mini-series based on two of China's most famous historical novels, the Three Kingdoms and the Water Margin. Later a third set was built for a series about the life and loves of the most famous emperor of the Tang Dynasty.
They spread over many acres along the shores of Lake Tai, made up of many market squares, palaces, temples, mansions, and prisons where the most famous stories of the novels were set. The buildings were designed based on a study of actual historical architecture and paintings, and built to match the historical standards, creating a remarkably vivid environment.
Even the clothing and hairstyles of shop attendants and restaurant waitresses are done in historical styles.