China's government spent billions developing Yujiapu, a financial district in the northern city of Tianjin. It was supposed to look like Manhattan but is now half-built and largely empty. CNN takes a look. Steven Jiang/CNN

It's one of a number of Chinese "ghost cities," where overbuilding amid cooling demand is posing a big risk for the world's second-largest economy. Steven Jiang/CNN

Gross domestic product was 7.4% in 2014, the lowest growth rate in 24 years. Will Ripley/CNN

Construction began in Yujiapu in 2009 and many of the buildings were modeled after New York's most famous skyscrapers. Will Ripley/CNN

The Chinese government denies reports this project has run out of money but an empty financial district is an alarming sign for the world's second largest economy. Steven Jiang/CNN

There were few signs of construction visible this week. Even buildings that look finished stand empty. Will Ripley, CNN