That is the question at the center of a public controversy on the preservation, or demolition, of a nearly 300-year-old brothel in Central China.

Hongtaifang, a brothel built in 1733 in Jinggang, an ancient prosperous town in Hunan Province, is teetering on the verge of collapse in this photo taken on August 1, 2006. [Xiaoxiang Morning Post]

The brothel, built in 1733 in the ancient town of Jinggang, Hunan Province, is teetering on the verge of collapse and the local government is under pressure to make a decision on its historic value.

Changsha Evening News has reported that the authorities have held meetings to discuss its fate and most officials support protection of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) building known as Hongtaifang.

But many locals are protesting, arguing it should be demolished as it represents the worst aspects of China's feudal society.

Xiao Yisheng, a retired teacher from Zhongnan University in Changsha, capital of Hunan, said the brothel was a place where women were humiliated. Its restoration could be seen as promoting prostitution, which is illegal in China, said Xiao.

However, Hunan University graduate Tan Feng said the site was bound to evoke different feelings. "When I entered the brothel, it reminded me that it was a place where the ancients indulged in sensual pleasures," Tan said.

A commentary under the name "Zhifan" in Shanghai-based Jiefang Daily said historic fact should be acknowledged and respected.

"Protection of the terracotta warriors and horses doesn't mean we look approvingly on the atrocities of Qinshihuang, who ordered the construction of the giant mausoleum for himself," the author wrote, adding that the preservation of the brothel should not be seen as an endorsement of prostitution.

"It seems that this brothel is the only one of its kind standing in the city, so there is probably a need to preserve it because it represents the lifestyle of quite a few people three centuries ago," said Chen Yu, a researcher at the National Museum of China.

The debate has spread to the Internet, with many websites dedicating special columns to the issue.

"Demolishing an ancient building will have no effect in preventing prostitution," said a post on the website of Beijing Youth Daily.

Too many ancient buildings have become fodder for bulldozers, and the ancient brothel should be repaired and protected, said another Internet user.

Chai Xiaoming, an official with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, told Xinhua that "it's irrational to think that protection of the brothel means approval of history's injustices."

"The aim of protecting historic relics is to make people aware of history. Many relics with negative associations are well preserved in China," he said.

(China Daily August 18, 2006)