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GHF Mission to Shanxi Province Provides Support for the Derelict Foguang Temple

January 06, 2004

 

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GHF Public Relations
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GHF Mission to Shanxi Province Provides Support for the Derelict Foguang Temple

January 6th, 2004 - Global Heritage Fund’s Shanxi mission identified two major ancient wooden monuments from the Tang Dynasty for conservation support and GHF is currently planning to provide funding and expertise for the investigation, planning and scientific conservation of the 1,200-year old Foguang Temple at Wutai Mountain, the most important remaining wooden architectural jewels of Chinese civilization of the Tang Dynasty, a tribute to the peak of Buddhist art and architecture from the 9th century AD.

GHF is working with Shanxi Province’s Cultural Relics Bureau on a 2004 investigation and planning for conservation requirements of Foguang Temple, which has not been repaired or conserved since the 17th century. Extensive structure damage from falling rocks, rotting roofing, beams and pillars and to the most exquisite Tang Dynasty architecture and sculptures is threatening to damage the last of two remaining and oldest wooden architectural wonders of the Tang Dynasty.

Recent looting in 2002 of Foguang’s sister Nanchang Temple where thieves sawed off the head of the oldest and most priceless Buddha in China has raised the need for heightened security and national and international attention.

About Global Heritage Fund
The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

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