The bizarre seaside town that’s like Santorini but nowhere near the sea

is known for replicating iconic landmarks and , but one of its most unusual creations is a “Santorini-inspired” resort far from the sea.

The Dali’s Ideal State, located in Yunnan province in southwestern China, is a 1,500-hectare development that borrows its design from the famous , despite being 4,400 miles away.

Santorini is known worldwide for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed roofs, narrow streets, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

Each year, , drawn to its gorgeous waters, history and stunning sunsets.

And, while Dali’s Ideal State tries to replicate Santorini’s beauty, there are two big differences – it’s not by the sea and it’s not an island.

Instead, the resort overlooks Erhai Lake, with the Cangshan mountain range as a backdrop.

Despite this, its developers have recreated Santorini’s signature white-and-blue architecture and cobblestone streets to offer a taste of in China.

Built at a cost of 8 billion yuan (£874 million), the resort has tourist inns, boutique hotels, shops, and Greek-themed restaurants.

It has become a hit with social media influencers and couples looking for a picturesque wedding destination.

Visitors are drawn to its relaxed atmosphere and striking resemblance to the famous Greek island, even though it lacks Santorini’s dramatic cliffs and volcanic charm.

But, this isn’t the first time China has created replicas of popular European destinations.

In 2011, a mining tycoon funded the construction of a replica of the Austrian town of Hallstatt in Guangdong province, costing around £724 million.

Another ambitious project was the creation of a Venice-inspired development in Dalian, northeastern China, complete with canals and bridges, which cost approximately £1 billion.

While the Ideal Sstate may not replace the real Santorini, it has carved out its own identity as a unique tourist destination.