Beijing is to plough 2.5 million yuan (US$306,000) into a revamp of
the Tianning Temple, one of the oldest temples in the capital,
which was initially built in Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534).
The restoration of the temple represents just a small part of the
city's three-year plan for relics protection.
Key cultural relic that has State protection, the Tianning Temple
is famous for a 57.8-metre-tall pagoda, which is the oldest
structure in the city.
Well-known late architects Liang Sicheng and his wife Lin Huiyin
determined in 1935 that it dated from the early 12th century.
Repair work in 1991-92 revealed the remarkable accuracy of the
couple's prediction when a tablet hidden in the pagoda was
discovered that confirmed it was built in 1119, during the Liao
Dynasty (916-1125).
The temple will be open to the public after its year-long
restoration, said Mei Ninghua, director of the Beijing Municipal
Cultural Relics Bureau.
Beijing, one of China's 99 famous historic and cultural sites, has
witnessed remarkable changes in the past 23 years as a result of
reform and urbanization.
But people worry that the traditional look and feel of the city is
receding as futuristic skyscrapers and trendy shopping centers
multiply.
Sites of cultural heritage in the city are at risk of disappearing
with rampant destruction and urbanization.
"These places are the best material record of our past and identity
and should be protected," said Mei.
The municipal government has earmarked 330 million yuan (US$40
million) over a three-year period to protect historical sites,
ending in December.
More investment will follow in the years leading up to the 2008
summer Olympic Games.
More than 75 sites have been or are currently being restored,
including the Baita Temple, the Temple of Successive Emperors, and
the city wall of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
Beijing municipal government adopted a relic protection policy in
2000 to protect 25 sections of the old city. In other words, 1,038
hectares of land are under protection, making up 17 percent of land
in the old city.
The old city of Beijing refers to the original city area, which is
the 62.5-square-kilometre area within Beijing's Second Ring Road -
where the city wall and moat used to be.
Added to another 200 historic sites outside these 25 sections,
nearly 40 percent of the old cities are currently under protection,
according to the bureau.
(China
Daily May 13, 2002)