Heartbreak: Sex Theme Park Closes

Just as we noted the opening of Love Land the other day, it's already been shut down.

Sigh.

This investment turned out to be as risky as it was risque.

A sex theme park that featured explicit exhibits and sexual culture is being demolished before it can even open, a government spokesman in southwestern China said.

The park, christened 'Love Land' by its owners, went under the wrecking ball over the weekend in the city of Chongqing, said the spokesman.

The spokesman refused to give the reason for the demolition or other details.

However, photographs of the adult-only park had circulated widely on the Internet over the weekend, prompting widespread mockery and condemnation.

Exhibits had included giant-sized reproductions of male and female anatomy, dissertations on how the topic of sex is treated in various cultures and what the official China Daily newspaper called 'sex technique workshops.'

The demolition highlights conflicted views on sex in modern China, where a prudish attitude toward discussion of sexuality is paired with an almost clinical approach to its physical aspects.

While pornography is banned and sex education largely unheard of, shops selling sex toys and related items stand out prominently in many neighborhoods and sex outside marriage is widely tolerated.

Prostitution, while technically illegal, is widespread and the keeping of mistresses among prominent businessmen and Communist Party officials is considered commonplace.

You've just got to appreciate this photo, although the white pumps on blue porcelain just doesn't do it for me.

Welcome to Love Land

No, we're not talking about the town in Colorado. Rather we have a unique theme park opening in China.

Maybe it was the giant revolving model of a woman's legs and lower torso, clad only in an unflattering crimson thong, or perhaps it was the oversized replica of a set of genitals. Either way, many residents in the south-west city of Chongqing are not happy about the development of China's first sex theme park, which has been described as "vulgar" and inappropriate.

The park manager, Lu Xiaoqing, who was inspired by South Korea's popular sex theme park in Jeju, says that Love Land, due to open in October, will improve sex education and help adults enjoy a harmonious sex life. Inside, visitors will be able to view naked human sculptures, giant replicas of genitals and an exhibition about the history of sex and sexual practices in other countries.

The park will also offer sex technique workshops and advise on anti-Aids measures and using condoms properly.

"Sex is a taboo subject in China but people really need to have more access to information about it," Lu told the state newspaper China Daily.

"We are building the park for the good of the public. I have found that the majority of people support my idea, but I have to pay attention and not make the park look vulgar and nasty."

Good luck with that.