Beijing, the national capital, is renovating a prestigious Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) temple in its central Xuanwu district which is expected to open to the public this summer.
The most exquisite classic temple, named Changchunsi, which was once reputed as the first-rate elegant Ming-era temple and sank into oblivion from the mid Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), consists of several Buddhist-style structures grouped within a circular wall. Nevertheless, the temple had eventually become a residence for some 200 households over the years.
Those urbanites residing in the temple have been relocated to other parts of the city in preparations for the renovation work.
The temple will be renovated in compliance with its original shape of wooden structures, courtyard walls and floors to be refurbished accordingly, said a district official on Friday.
The work of renovation is scheduled for completion in late October, and the centuries-old temple will be renamed as "The Xuannan Culture Museum", said the official.
(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2003)
