Loyal Chinese fans of the late "King of Pop" Michael Jackson have donated 158,000 yuan ($23,000) to erect the first bronze statue of their idol in China.

This project has been approved by the local government and will be completed and installed on January 1, 2011, said Huang Zhenhui, the head of the project. The statue will stand in Guangzhou Sculpture Park in Guangzhou City, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

Huang said they will hold a ceremony on the inaugural day and raise money for charities, which will spread Jackson’s message of love.

"I'm thrilled to see our dreams will finally come true," Huang said.

Famous sculptor Lu Zhenkang has been designing the statue.

Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after he suffered cardiac arrest at his home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood in Los Angeles. His death triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes worldwide.