A tourist site in Hai Phong City has become a controversial topic due to the nude, human-shaped statues of 12 zodiac animals.

The statues were placed at Little Da Lat, Hon Dau tourist area in Do Son District. All 12 statues are placed near each other with clear depictions of their genitals.

Near the statues are the children's playground with roller-coasters and water park. Many parents have brought their children to the playground and are shocked seeing the statues nearby.

The controversy started when a Facebook user uploaded the photos to the Internet and said that such statues might destroy their children's childhood.

Another visitor, Tran Thuy Linh from An Duong District, said, "I brought my daughter there last weekend and she pointed to the statues and asked me what those were. Those statues have human bodies and animal heads. I think they are very offensive."

Hon Dau International Tourism JSC Director Hoang Thieng said, "Those statues were made by both international and domestic artists since 2007. They have been there for over 10 years without any complaints. It's unreasonable if they are going to be destroyed because of public opinion."

Thieng said those statues had been scattered at various places and were gathered together recently.

Meanwhile, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports Le Van Quy said they hadn't been informed about the statues.

In the latest news, the statues have been put on with bath 

Some photos of the statues with and without swimming-trunks:

Dtinews/VietNamNet