The plan was that the 'English only' town would be built in the 'European' style. Visitors would be given a passport before they entered the town.

"We plan to build in the European architectural style of the English city. The town will be divided into 16 city blocks, with a castle," said senior Miyun County official Wang Haichen.

"When people arrive in the town, it will be like going abroad. They have to get a 'passport' which has to be stamped," he added.

If people were caught speaking any language apart from English they would have points added to their passport.

However, some experts said that the town would not really help people to learn English.

Officials didn’t give their reasons for not accepting the plan.