Copy of Old Summer Palace opens amid controversy

A huge hi-tech show in the park illuminates the night. [Photo provided to China Daily]

However, Huo Zhengxin, a law professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said there is no such violation. The replica was built away from Beijing, making it impossible to directly harm the original site, he said, and the new park replicates historic buildings rather than duplicates the remains in Beijing.

Xu said: "I'm not afraid of people's doubts, which make me more considerate in doing my work. People have different opinions about what we did in Hengdian."