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 (AD 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-meter-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-kilometer 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 city are currently under protection, according to the bureau.

(China Daily May 13, 2002)