Xi’s call for end to ‘weird architecture’ stirs debate

Internet users were divided yesterday after President Xi Jinping called for an end to "weird architecture" in a country enjoying a huge building boom.

Much of the mainland's older building stock is made up of Soviet-style concrete blocks, but in recent years property development has played a huge economic role.

The phenomenon has drawn architects from around the world, from big names such as Zaha Hadid to younger designers whose reputations are still being established in the West.

Xi made the comments on Wednesday as he held a surprise meeting with a group of writers and artists which lasted for more than two hours, the People's Daily reported on its WeChat social media account yesterday.

The report said Xi told the group Beijing should build "no more weird architecture".

Many web users welcomed Xi's call. "My understanding is that 'no weird architecture' targets the property owners rather than the architects. Some unscrupulous owners should be reined in now," said one social media user.