Beijing, Nov 3 (IANS): An eye-popping, gigantic building in the exact shape of a crab is being constructed on the shore of Yangcheng lake in China's Jiangsu province.

The stainless steel three-storey building stands at 75 metres long and 16 metres high, reports Xinhua news agency.

The building which will be used as a commercial complex, contains leisure and entertainment facilities, restaurants and stores, according to Zhao Jianlin, general manager with Baxieyuan Management Company, which is building the "super crab".

Zhao said that construction began in March, and the building was expected to open in the second half of next year.

"This building can help demonstrate the crab culture and history of Bacheng township," he said.

Bacheng is a township on the shore of the lake.

Every year, Yangcheng lake sees a catch of more than 2,000 tonnes of Chinese mitten crabs, an autumn delicacy.

The size of a human fist, Chinese mitten crabs generally live in fresh water.

Yangcheng lake crabs are regarded as a luxury by the Chinese, with the price of a single crab reaching more than 80 yuan ($12).