SHANGHAI’S largest Shikumen, or stone-gated houses, complex will reopen to the public in March as luxury hotels and service apartments after an eight-year restoration, officials said yesterday.

However, the government-backed project has proved controversial, with historic protection professionals criticizing it as “fake” heritage.

The Jianyeli neighborhood on Jianguo Road in Xuhui District will reopen as 55 Shikumen styled hotels, 40 service apartments for lease, and about 4,000 square meters of commercial facilities along the streets, Xuhui District government announced.