A new heritage and cultural centre in Jiangxi Province, South China, will see the construction of replicas of two of William Shakespeare’s historic homes, which will become visitor attractions when completed.

San Weng is a new town currently under construction that will celebrate three great literary figures – Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Tang Xianzu.

As part of the tribute Shakespeare, the town will feature an entire quarter dedicated to Stratford-upon-Avon – the Bard's hometown.

The development is expected to open in 2020.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will act as the main consultant to the project, which will see Shakespeare’s Birthplace and his adult home at New Place – both in Stratford-upon-Avon, England – replicated. The Trust will work in partnership with the Fuzhou Culture and Tourism Investment Company, which primarily invests in tourism resources and development, tourism commercial real estate and the touring exhibitions.

The Trust will provide historical and contemporary data for the houses’ design and construction, giving guidance on traditional building methods and materials and support for exhibition content.

Peter Kyle, chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace, Trust said: “This innovative, two-way partnership will significantly advance our charitable objective to promote worldwide the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s works life and times.

“By providing our knowledge and expertise to help the Fuzhou team to create an authentic spirit of place, we will enable more of our ongoing work here in the UK to conserve, sustain and share the extraordinary Shakespeare legacy in our care.

“Shakespeare speaks to all humanity, transcending borders and barriers, and he is a powerful ambassador for the growing cultural, creative and tourism ties between the UK and China.”