Architecture and urban development in contemporary China is well known for being big and bold. Now a new gallery featuring 21 of the craziest buildings scattered across the country shows off some of the constructions in recent decades that have been causing a stir. Published by the Chinese website 163.com, this diverse array of Chinese architecture documents the shift from tradition to the rise of the skyscraper into sometimes bizarre forms. Hit the jump for the full gallery of crazy constructions from all over China - you might even recognize a few from your own backyard!

The constructions vary from city to province, and include a range of projects which have been met with a frosty reception. A controversial archway dubbed “the East Gateway of Suzhou,” is still under construction, while the Hotel of the Emperor caused chaos with the incorporation of images of three gods.

Other buildings include spiky arts centers, bottle-shaped buildings, a watchtower, a colorful stack of houses are piled on top of one another, and sites which resemble belts and zippers. The most bizarre constructions, however, are the spaces built to resemble works of iconic architecture found outside the country. The Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower can both be found within China’s borders!

+ 163.com

Via China Underground

Images courtesy of 163.com