In a story that seems too surreal to be true, a Chinese businessman has found himself at the center of legal controversy after building a full-scale replica of the White House—atop a skyscraper. The extravagant construction, valued at over $20 million, was meant to be a personal residence and a symbol of ambition. Instead, it has become a symbol of legal trouble and public scrutiny.

Zhang Wei, a wealthy real estate developer in Beijing, began construction on his replica of the White House nearly five years ago. Located on the rooftop of a 60-story commercial skyscraper in the heart of the city, the mansion is an architectural anomaly. Complete with classical columns, white stone facades, manicured rooftop gardens, and even a mini South Lawn, the mansion replicates many of the iconic features of the original building in Washington, D.C.

Zhang’s idea, he claims, was not political but rather symbolic. “The White House represents power, vision, and leadership,” Zhang told a local newspaper in 2023. “I wanted to bring that inspiration into my daily life and showcase what Chinese innovation can achieve when dreams are pursued without limits.”

While the mansion itself was completed with stunning attention to detail, Zhang never had the chance to enjoy his rooftop palace. As soon as photos of the extravagant structure began circulating on social media, they caught the attention of local authorities—and not in a good way. Investigations soon revealed that Zhang had not obtained the proper building permits or structural safety approvals required for such an ambitious project.

City officials declared the structure illegal, citing violations of zoning laws, potential safety hazards, and concerns about the building’s impact on the skyscraper’s structural integrity. “Constructing a mansion of that size on top of a commercial building is not only unauthorized, it’s dangerous,” said a spokesperson from Beijing’s Department of Urban Planning.

A court order was issued in early 2024 barring Zhang from occupying the residence. Since then, the property has remained empty and guarded, pending a final ruling on whether it must be dismantled entirely. Meanwhile, Zhang is battling lawsuits from the building’s co-owners and tenants, many of whom claim the construction has devalued the property and poses risks to their safety.

Despite the legal battles, Zhang remains defiant. “I didn’t break the law intentionally,” he told reporters. “I had approval from engineers and believed I was following the right procedures. This is not about politics or rebellion—it’s about vision.”

Public opinion remains deeply divided. Some admire Zhang’s boldness and creativity, seeing the mansion as a testament to architectural ambition. Others see it as an irresponsible display of wealth, arrogance, and disregard for public safety. On Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, the story has sparked heated debate, with hashtags like #WhiteHouseInTheSky and #RooftopRebellion going viral.

Urban development experts say the case highlights the tension between rapid modernization and regulatory oversight in China’s booming cities. “As wealth grows and boundaries are tested, more people are attempting projects that challenge both engineering limits and legal frameworks,” says Dr. Lin Cheng, an urban planning professor at Tsinghua University.

As of now, Zhang continues to fight in court to save his sky-high mansion, but with mounting pressure from both the government and the public, the future of the structure remains uncertain. Whether it stands as a monument to personal vision or falls as a cautionary tale, one thing is certain: Zhang’s rooftop White House has made headlines around the world.

In the end, the man who wanted to live like a president now finds himself locked out of his own dream, watching from afar as lawyers and officials decide the fate of his $20 million masterpiece.