Plan to raze ancient temple in Xi'an panned (2)

In January, the temple proposed to withdraw the application because the large-scale reconstruction would severely impact monks' lives and destroy relics.

"We support the application, but we hope not to change the original layout as far as possible," the temple said in a statement.

But local authorities rejected the appeal because the reconstruction is aimed at revitalizing the temple's appearance in order for it to obtain the title, the paper reported.

"Dismantling part of the temple is to make for a better environment. It only affects monks' lives temporarily, not severely." Zhang Ning, director of Chang'an District Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau, told the newspaper. "But experts haven't approved the plan."

According to a blueprint in the hands of some government officials, only three towers of the temple would remain and other buildings would be demolished, said temple abbot Kuan Chi. A total of 46 local families will be relocated to make room for a new temple for the monks, the paper reported.

Netizens said authorities looked at the temple just as a money tree and neglected its historical values.

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