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February 5, 2018

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Temple pavilion reopens after renovation

By Bob Yang | 00:01 UTC+8 February 5, 2018 | Print Edition

THE main pavilion of Jade Buddha Temple was reopened to public over the weekend.

The Mahavira Hall, which was built around 1918, was closed in May 2017 for renovations. It was moved 30.66 meters to the north along with the three huge statues and other cultural heritage inside the hall.

At its new position, the 18.2m-tall pavilion, weighing over 1,000 tons, was raised by just over a meter and underwent major renovation. Its foundation was stabilized and the structure’s appearance refurbished. “The success of the project marks the near completion of the over three-year renovation campaign of the century-old temple to ensure safety and improve the environment of the temple,” said the temple’s abbot Juexing.

The temple was originally converted from residential houses whose owner donated it to the temple to house the two jade Buddha sculptures.

After renovation, it now reflects a more traditional Chinese temple style.

Juexing said work on gilding the three Buddha statues inside the hall is being carried out to protect the historic statues. The statues were gilded in 1982 but the gold covering has begun to drop off recently.

The renovations also opened up 500 square meters of space in the main square, doubling its size for worshipers and visitors. Previously, the main square was just 495 square meters and was often packed, especially during the Spring Festival and on days like the first and 15th day of each lunar month.

Renovation was launched in July 2014 after the housing quality watchdog highlighted safety concerns.

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