An online debate about a copy of London's Tower Bridge built in a Chinese city has emerged, with some netizens calling it one of the ugliest constructions in China.

Unlike its predecessor's rich history, the bridge - which stands over the Yuanhetang river in Suzhou - was only built in 2012.

And its fancier construction, which boasts elevators and four 40m-tall towers instead of the original's two, has not impressed the locals.

Many have said that they are ashamed of the knock-off, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Monday (Feb 27).

Others, however, have come to the defence of the bridge, claiming that they like it as it provides a popular backdrop for wedding photos.

The 45.9m-wide bridge did not come cheap, costing hundreds of millions of yuan.

Two years ago, the bridge made the news for having unsightly rubbish piled up at its southwest corner, according to an SCMP article.

The city also has copies of other famous bridges such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris.