A high-rise statue of green plants is seen near a road in Urumqi, Aug 6, 2012. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

A controversial statue established in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has been removed after it sparked heated discussions online, xinjiangnet.com.cn reported.

The striking statue was 18 meters high, nine meters wide, and weighed 40 tons. It took two months to finish and officially opened to the public on Aug 6. No information about the cost has been made available.

Its purpose was to "indicate openness and people's aspirations for a happy life," according to the administrative authority People's Square Landscaping Bureau.

The green plant statue went viral online after pictures were uploaded on Weibo.com. Internet users derided the designers' taste in beauty. Some were concerned about the security risks.

On the early morning of Aug 17, the project was demolished and replaced with flowers.

A statue is seen in Urumqi. [Photo/xinjiangnet.com.cn]

A controversial statue is demolished and carried away by a truck in Urumqi. [Photo/xinjiangnet.com.cn]