In today's modern society, we assume women have taken more control over their lives than ever before, and the phrase "it's a man's world" sounds downright quaint these days. But apparently we're dead wrong, as some Chinese officials think the concept of "woman power" should be turned into a tourist destination.
Yes, Chinese tourism authorities are seeking investment to build a novel concept attraction — the world's first "women's town," where men get punished for disobedience.
The 2.3 square kilometer Longshuihu village in the Shuangqiao district of Chongqing municipality was based on the local traditional concept of "women rule and men obey," a tourism official told Reuters.
"Traditional women dominate, and men have to be obedient in the areas of Sichuan province and Chongqing, and now we are using it as an idea to ... boost tourism," said the official, who was identified only with the surname Li.
The tourism bureau plans to invest up to $39 million in infrastructure, roads and buildings, Li said.
"We welcome investors from overseas and nationwide to invest in our project," he added.
When tour groups enter the town, female tourists would play the dominant role when shopping or choosing a place to stay, and a disobedient man would be punished by "kneeling on an uneven board" or washing dishes in a restaurant, Chinese media reports said.
The motto of the new town would be "Women never make mistakes, and men can never refuse women's requests."
Now that's a breaking-news flash right there.
[Note: Article undated, but apparently quite recent]
[Comment: I thought one usually sought a place where things were "different" for a vacation. Sounds linke business as usual 'round my house.]