Ancient temple gets Olympics facelift in Beijing

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 ◆ Ancient temple gets Olympics facelift in Beijing

Repairs on an ancient temple more than 1,000 years old was launched recently by the Beijing municipal government in a bid to restore the city's historical landmarks for its 2008 Olympic Games.

The Tianning Temple, in downtown Beijing, was built during the reign of Emperor Xiao Wen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). A 60-meter-high pagoda was added to the temple in the Liao Dynasty ( 907-1125).

Historians say that Tianning, one of the capital's oldest temples, is crucial for research into the city's past.

A total investment of 2.53 million yuan will restore the main gate, main hall and eastern and western side halls of the temple. To repair damaged statues, experts will first research records before restoration.

According to an earlier report, the Beijing municipal government has allocated a total of 330 million yuan to restore 98 historical sites, including the Tianning Temple. So far, work has begun on more than 70 sites.