The "China House" in Tianjin. The house opened to visitors on Monday, September 3, 2007. [File Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The much-touted "China House," in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, welcomed its first batch of visitors on Monday.

The landmark building, clad with 400 million porcelain pieces, which was completed months ago, officially opened on Monday.

The owner of the house, businessman Zhang Lianzhi, reportedly spent US$65 million on decorating the building with his wares collected over the past two decades.

A charity opening was held on Monday, at which items, donated by well-known Chinese stars including Jackie Chan were auctioned off.