China Tourism Industry Faces the Ultimate Crisis After Fake Mount Fuji in Hebei Unleashes a Global Firestorm of Criticism

Published on May 5, 2025

A tourist attraction in Hebei Province, northern China, has stirred controversy with its creation of a ‘fake’ Mount Fuji, prompting significant backlash from visitors. The park, Universe Fantasy Land, located in the scenic area of Hebei, has been accused of misleading tourists by presenting a small, modest hill painted white to resemble the famous Japanese peak. This imitation, which was marketed as Mount Fuji, has left many feeling deceived and disappointed.

The Attraction’s Bold Claims

Since its opening in September 2024, Universe Fantasy Land, also known as Space Fantasy Land, has positioned itself as a retreat offering an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The park’s promotional material promised a “fairytale landscape” complete with sparkling lakes, lush green fields, white horses, and charming wooden huts. Designed as a place of tranquility and fantasy, the park was promoted as a perfect getaway for those in search of peace and adventure.

For 98 yuan (approximately $14 USD), guests could enter the park, with discounted rates available for online reservations. For an additional 48 yuan, visitors had the option of camping in the park’s grounds, further enhancing the attraction’s appeal as a full vacation destination. However, the star feature that drew significant attention was the supposed replica of Mount Fuji, which many felt fell short of its promised grandeur.

The Controversy Surrounding the ‘Fake’ Mount Fuji

Instead of constructing a true mountainous feature, the park opted to create a small, unimpressive hill and painted its peak white, imitating Mount Fuji. The marketing materials presented the hill as a volcano, complete with artificial pink smoke released every weekend to simulate a volcanic eruption.

Upon arrival, visitors who expected to see a majestic, towering mountain were instead greeted by a hill that many felt did not even qualify as a proper peak. While the white paint at the top was meant to evoke the snow-capped summit of Mount Fuji, it was criticized for looking artificial and unconvincing. Many tourists who had been enticed by the promotional images were disillusioned upon seeing the hill in person, leading to frustration and anger.

Some visitors even expressed feeling misled by the park’s advertising, accusing the attraction of false advertising. The staged volcanic eruption show, while intended to add to the experience, was seen as a poor attempt to mask the lack of authenticity. Critics claimed that the painted hill and the artificial eruption detracted from the overall experience rather than enhancing it.

The Trend of Imitation Landmarks in China

The situation at Universe Fantasy Land is far from an isolated incident. In recent years, China has seen a rising trend in the construction of replicas of famous global landmarks. From duplicate versions of the Eiffel Tower to the Great Wall of China, these imitation attractions have been built in various regions across the country, often in an effort to capitalize on the popularity of the original structures.

Hebei Province, in particular, has faced its fair share of criticism for constructing replica landmarks that lack the authenticity of the originals. The replicas, while drawing crowds, have been seen by many as low-quality imitations that fail to capture the true cultural significance of the iconic sites they seek to mimic. While these attractions might attract tourists in the short term, they often fail to meet expectations and, in some cases, damage the reputation of the tourism industry.

The creation of a ‘fake’ Mount Fuji only adds fuel to the fire of this ongoing debate over the ethics of replicating famous landmarks. While some argue that such attractions can boost local tourism and generate revenue, others feel that they undermine the integrity of the real sites and the cultural heritage they represent.

The Public Backlash and Its Implications

The backlash over the ‘fake’ Mount Fuji highlights a growing demand for transparency and authenticity in tourism. As the global tourism industry becomes increasingly competitive, visitors expect attractions to deliver on their promises. When a destination fails to meet these expectations, it can lead to significant disappointment and damage to the reputation of the business.

The controversy has also sparked a broader conversation about the future of imitation landmarks. While these replicas may serve to attract visitors in the short term, many argue that they cannot sustain long-term tourism. Tourists today are increasingly looking for authentic experiences that allow them to connect with the culture, history, and natural beauty of the places they visit. For many, visiting a copy of a famous landmark feels hollow and unsatisfying compared to experiencing the real thing.

As the tourism industry continues to evolve, it is becoming clear that authenticity and transparency are key factors in ensuring the success of a destination. In this context, Universe Fantasy Land’s ‘fake’ Mount Fuji serves as a cautionary example for other attractions considering similar imitations.

Looking Toward the Future: Authenticity in Tourism

The controversy surrounding Universe Fantasy Land has prompted calls for greater authenticity in tourism. The park’s marketing tactics may have helped attract a crowd initially, but it has become evident that misleading visitors with imitations can harm a destination’s reputation in the long run.

As tourists become more discerning in their travel choices, the demand for genuine and meaningful experiences is expected to increase. In the future, destinations may need to focus on offering authentic, culturally rich experiences rather than resorting to imitation landmarks that lack depth and significance.

For now, the ‘fake’ Mount Fuji in Hebei stands as a reminder of the importance of delivering what is promised to visitors. While imitation landmarks may provide short-term gains, they ultimately run the risk of disappointing tourists and tarnishing the reputation of the tourism industry. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Universe Fantasy Land will reconsider its approach or continue to promote its artificial attraction.