Forbidden Gardens, in Katy, Texas, is a fascinating outdoor museum replicating some of China's major historic scenes. Guided tours take you back to the third century BC to view the first Emperor's amazing 8,000 piece terra-cotta army replicated in 1/3 scale. The tour continues to the intricately detailed miniatures of the famous Forbidden City in Beijing which served as palaces for nearly 500 years of Imperial rule in 1/20 scale.
http://www.forbidden-gardens.com/index.html
Inside one of the buildings they had a diorama replica of the "Venice" of China. Sorry I don't remember the name but it is so realistic that a visitor once commented "I have been there before!"
This project was funded by a Hong Kong business man for $40mm with a 20 year plan(this is year 10). His kids were going to school in the US and he felt they were loosing touch with their heritage.
(constructive critique is welcome)