The renovation of an ancient temple in southern Beijing has been completed at a cost of 8 million yuan (US$960,000), an official said Saturday.

The Changchun Temple was built in 1592 by Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to pray for the longevity of his mother. It became one of the premier temples in the Ming Dynasty, because of support from the imperial family, but declined in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The temple had been turned into a residential compound occupied by more than 200 households before the renovation project started in March this year.

Archaeologists were invited to oversee the project so as to retain the original design and style of the temple.

The local cultural relics administration expects that the temple will also serve as a museum featuring the traditional culture of southern Beijing.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2003)