I'll keep my contrarian approach and showcase three of the most controversial buildings in Beijing:
The Oriental Plaza
Put aside the word 'oriental' which for some reason some Chinese are very fond of nowadays, this building (or group of buildings) are dull, derivative and monotonous. And it stands right on one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in Beijing between Wangfujing and Dongdan.
It was built by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing during the last years of the reign of Beijing mayor Chen Xitong, who was later tried and jailed for corruption in a scandal (involving the death of a deputy-mayor) that shocked the nation. The project was controversial for its complete disregard for building guidelines, and although Chen Xitong is long gone now this building still stands near the Chang'an Avenue.
The National Center for Performing Arts
Better known as 'the Egg' in Beijing, the plan for this building was unveiled during the last years of Jiang Zemin's deeply unpopular presidency. This futuristic nonsense is located right in the heart of Beijing near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It created an absolute uproar but legions of activists were unable to stop it from being built. After all, it was President Jiang's last pet project, his 'footstep' on Beijing landscape.
The CCTV Headquarters
Just when one thought there's no way someone could come up with a more crude assault on Beijing skyline than Jiang Zemin did, CCTV outdid the former president by announcing the plan for its new headquarters. Not surprisingly the outrageous design and outrageous cost immediately promoted a national outrage and CCTV was forced to suspend the plan. But as the publicity faded away CCTV restarted the construction, and now the most ridiculed building in China (nicknamed 'The Big Boxer Shorts') is home to its most ridiculed media outlet.