China’s northern city of Shijiazhuang has gained attention in the past in China for its faux landmarks from around the world that included a representation of the Sphinx in Egypt and the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. This time, the city has come up with a new project.

The structure infuses eastern and western architectural influences and is considered a new monument in the city.

Photo: Shijiazhuang municipal government Weibo

The building is split in half architecturally with one side resembling a replica of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which is inside one Beijing’s most famous landmarks, the Temple of Heaven.

The other side is whitewashed and built in a western ‘palace’-style.

Photo: Shijiazhuang municipal government Weibo

The structure is said to have been built for, or used for shooting films.

Photo: Shijiazhuang municipal government Weibo

The comments on China’s Weibo social media platform were varied with some praising the look of the structure:
“It is those without any new idea who can design this kind of construction. They are not ashamed of it but honored,” @Jianlongzhengyu said.

Others weren’t so impressed:
“So ugly! Where is the designer’s aesthetics?” commented @Mibaiqian.

Photo: Shijiazhuang municipal government weibo

CCTV America Digital