Liu Xiang's residence [file photo]

A controversy has erupted after the former residence of influential warlord Liu Xiang, who led a battle against Japanese invaders in 1937, was demolished and rebuilt as a fancy restaurant in another location.

Liu's former home, a two-story compound, was listed as a heritage site by Chongqing Municipality, but local authorities dismantled the building in 2009 despite wide protests, China Youth Daily reported today.

They later rebuilt it in a memorial park.

Authorities claimed the building was in such a dilapidated state that it could not be repaired and insisted they never destroyed the area's cultural heritage. However, local media reported the authorities didn't ask for expert advice nor notify the public before pulling down the building, the report said.

The rebuilt residence is now a high-end restaurant serving meals that cost about 500 yuan (US$80.35) per person, the paper reported.

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