User:Jankoman/Xingyao Wuzhou - The World

"The World" project in Tianjin, also known as Xingyao Wuzhou (simplified Chinese: 星耀五洲; pinyin: xīng yào wŭ zhōu, loosely translated as "Shining Star Five Continents”), is a Chinese version of The World project in Dubai, the gigantic residential and leisure complex being built around and within an artificial lake on the outskirts of Tianjin, China.

This futuristic “floating city” consisting 60 percent of water and 40 percent of island-like land areas that look like five continents of the globe: Eurasia, North America, South America, Oceania and Africa. Upon completion, each part will feature its typical structural design, scenery, cuisine & cultural activities.

Xingyao Wuzhou showcases different types of architecture, various types of gardens, sculptures, proverbs and famous bridges from around the world.

Key Features
The World will eventually become home to 70,000 people, and it’s aiming to become a global tourist attraction. The main theme of the project is “luxury living”, which is reflected in lake-side villas, seven-star hotel, yacht club, golf course, shopping areas, eateries, a conference center, as well as the world’s largest indoor ski center, the world’s largest indoor water park, the world's largest musical fountain and various replicas of world’s most famous landmarks.

Creators
Xingyao Wuzhou by Shining Star Investment Company, Ltd. (a.k.a. Xingyao Investment Company, Ltd. ) has been created by thirteen world's top architects and more than 30 Chinese and international design R & D institutions.

Timeline of construction
The project is being developed in four phases over the course of five years. The first phase (North America and Eurasia) will be completed in 2011, with soft-openings of the Yacht Club, 6-star boutique Hotel and Sports Club scheduled for April – June 2011.