China just dealt a crushing blow to creativity. On February 21, the Chinese governmentreleased a set of guidelines banning "odd-shaped buildings" and threatening "harsher punishments" for those who skirt the new urban planning rules.
Advertisement
"Bizarre architecture that is not economical, functional, aesthetically pleasing, or environmentally friendly will be forbidden," according to a report from state media, while greener, more sustainable construction will be encouraged.
The directive doubles down on sentiments President Xi Jinping shared in a speech in October 2014, when he called for an end to "weird architecture." Xi explained that art should serve the people and appeal to the average citizen.
Over the last few years, the country has built a reputation as home to some of the boldest architecture of the 21st century. Its landmarks include a teapot-shaped tourist center, a phallic-looking media headquarters, and a replica of a centuries-old Austrian village.
Here are the kinds of strange architectural gems the Chinese people may soon be missing out on.
Advertisement
The infamous doughnut-shaped Guangzhou Circle sits on the Pearl River, so that when reflected in the water, it looks like a figure eight — a lucky number in Chinese culture.
In 2014, President Xi Jinping called out the CCTV headquarters as an example of what not to do. The iconic towers are nicknamed "Big Pants" for their trouser-look.
Beijing's Galaxy SOHO is a retail and office complex composed of four, swirling egg-shaped masses. There are no corners or sharp transitions, according to the architect.
Created by famed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, the Bird's Nest stadium served as the centerpiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics Games. Its upkeep costs $11 million a year.
Florentia Village offers a taste of Italy near the port city of Tianjin. The Italian-style luxury outlet mall is furnished with gondolas, mosaics, and ornate fountains.
Another "made in China" version of a foreign city, China's replica of Hallstatt looks just like the centuries-old village in Austria. Its opening upset some residents of the original place.
Billed as China’s response to the Arc de Triomphe, The Gate of the Orient in the Jiangsu province has also drawn embarrassing comparisons to a pair of long johns.
The Sunrise Kempinski Hotel (background) resembles a rising sun — indicative of China's fast-growing economy — and features an entrance shaped like the mouth of a fish, which symbolizes prosperity.
Called the "most romantic building in China" by locals, this experimental building in the Anhui province serves as a showroom for city planners. Guests enter through the violin atrium and ride escalators into the piano space.
The Ring of Life looms over the Liaoning province in the hopes of attracting tourists to the region. Its 12,000 LED lights make it hard to miss at night.
Read next
NEW LOOK
Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.