There's a Giant Hairy Crab Building Under Construction in China

The hairy crab obsession has officially gone too far.

So far, in fact, that there's now a giant hairy crab center being built on the shores of Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan, a city between Shanghai and Suzhou in Jiangsu province. Visitors flock to the lake each autumn for its legendary hairy crab harvest.

Although it bears a striking resemblance to the famed hairy crabs Shanghairen love to eat, the giant crustacean is not edible. Instead, it's a stainless steel building that's nearing completion as the local government builds the area up to become a national tourist destination.

When finished, the unique structure will house a 1,200-square-meter museum, learning center and dining experience space dedicated to the savory specimen.

Before it can be converted into a place of learning, however, there are still a few finishing touches needed. Three layers of white crab hair will be added to the large crab's underside and facilities will be set up for leisure, entertainment and education.

The "Crab Building" is a perfect replica of the real thing, with eight hairy legs and a huge body. And at 75 meters long, it looks like something straight out of an old horror movie.

At present, the main building has been completed, and the ground landscape is underway. The museum is expected to be fully completed and open to the public in the second half of next year.

So much for that ban on weird buildings!

[Images via Sina, SHINE]