Copy of Old Summer Palace opens amid controversy

The controversial replica of the Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan, opened its gates on May 10 in Dongyang, Zhejiang province.

The New Yuanmingyuan Palace cost 30 billion yuan ($4.8 billion). It covers more than 400 hectares at Hengdian World Studios, China's largest outdoor film studio, and claims to duplicate the former royal retreat in its original size.

Construction of the replica began in 2012. Part of the park, including a replica of the Great Fountain Dashuifa, one of the best known sites at the Old Summer Palace, is still being built and will open to the public next year.