Eiffel Tower miniature sparks online debate

A miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower in a residence in Hangzhou of Zhejiang province has sparked controversy, with netizens debating whether it is proper to replicate the world famous landmark in China.

On Thursday, a netizen named "Bali Feng" posted photos of the miniature Eiffel Tower to micro blog Sina.

According to the report from China News Service, the Eiffel Tower miniature is located in a property in Yuhang District of Hangzhou. The property is named Guangxia Tiandu City and known as "A Town in France". It is designed to replicate a French town.

Hu Pingzhe, an employee from general director secretary office of Guangxia Group, said the Eiffel Tower miniature is one third of the original structure and the property will soon also boast a miniature Avenue des Champs-élysées, and a French styled garden.

Media has reported that many new couples take their wedding photos in Guangxia Tiandu City.

"My friends from Paris sent me those photos. Shame on me," said Bali Feng.

"Property developers dismantle all the old buildings in Hangzhou and copy the design of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding streets in China. Is it a way to suggest China has caught up with Europe or United States?"

Bali Feng's post was forward for more than 3,000 times in a day.

The Eiffel Tower is not the only world famous landscape being replicated in China. In Songjiang District of Shanghai, there is a commercial property named Thames Town and the design is similar to the original in London.

It was reported by media that UK architect Zaha Hadid has said she will take legal action against those responsible for the Eiffel Tower and Thames Town replicas.