A paper-thin building erected in a city centre sparked controversy in China.

Footage shows the structure with an unusual appearance towering over smaller buildings in the middle of two skyscrapers in Zhengzhou, Hunan province.

It earned the nickname ‘Zhengzhou's paper building' as it seemed to be no more than a foot wide, which critics said was barely enough for an adult human to move around in.

Chinese paper-thin buildings, often called 'nail houses' or 'thin buildings,' are a distinctive architectural phenomenon reflecting China's rapid urbanisation and real estate development.

These structures, characterised by their narrow width and towering height, are often the result of resilient property owners refusing to sell their homes in the face of lucrative redevelopment projects.

The term 'paper-thin' emphasises their slender profiles, challenging conventional notions of space utilisation.

However, amid controversy, some pointed out that the 'L'-shaped structure might only appear narrow on one far end, creating an optical illusion when viewed from the side.

According to industry experts quoted by local media, some developers maximise land usage by constructing buildings along the roadside, a practice known as 'boundary sticking,' which gives them this peculiar shape but guarantees it is a safe place to live in.