I have no idea. spooky and weird if you ask me.
heres an article about it..
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=79194
"Welcome to Thames Town, China, one of the most desirable new suburbs of Shanghai, itself fast becoming one of the world's most desirable cities.
In a combination of Communist Party ambition and entrepreneurial zeal, the Shanghai authorities are attempting to recreate the aura of European luxury that helped build the city in the first place.
They are building not just Thames Town but similarly-inspired districts around the city centre in seven western styles".