India, Oct. 28 -- A giant steel ring rising above a Chinese city has captured attention for its futuristic appearance and a more controversial backstory. Known as the Ring of Life, the 157-metre structure stands in Shenfu New Town, near Fushun in Liaoning province, and was built as a landmark intended to attract visitors to the developing area.

Completed in 2012, the structure has become a talking point because of its unusual design and questions over the value of building such a large monument primarily for sightseeing. Online, its circular shape has prompted comparisons with fictional portals and science-fiction gateways.

The landmark is estimated to have cost more than 100 million yuan, with some international reports putting the fig...