China has become home to some of the world?s most outlandish architectural landmarks of the 21st century. Hangzhou is home to a replica of the Eiffel Tower, located in a luxury real estate development, and Shanghai?s World Financial Center is often referred to as ?The World?s Largest Bottle Opener.? However, all of these zany designs may soon come to a halt following a directive issued by the State Council, China?s cabinet, and the Communist Party?s Central Committee on Sunday, reports the New York Times.

CCTV by OMA. Image Courtesy of OMA

China has become home to some of the world?s most outlandish architectural landmarks of the 21st century. Hangzhou is home to a replica of the Eiffel Tower, located in a luxury real estate development, and Shanghai?s World Financial Center is often referred to as ?The World?s Largest Bottle Opener.? However, all of these zany designs may soon come to a halt following a directive issued by the State Council, China?s cabinet, and the Communist Party?s Central Committee on Sunday, reports the New York Times.The directive says ?no? to any architecture considered ?oversized, xenocentric, weird, and devoid of cultural tradition.? In their place should be buildings designed as ?suitable, economic, green, and pleasing to the eye.?
Shanghai Skyline. Image © flickr user januski83, licensed under CC BY 2.0

The directive also called for an end to gated residential communities. These guidelines were released after the ...