A large fire destroyed the pavilion during the early hours of November 11. Smiling of the temple Yongqingin Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, eastern China China.
The flames started around 03:00 and spread quickly through the building, whose structure was mostly made of wood and had more than 1,500 years of history. Images spread on social networks showed columns of smoke and fire enveloping the affected pavilion.
The authorities managed to control the incident hours later and indicated that the main structure of the temple remains standing. No injuries or fatalities were reported, although Wenchang Pavilion was consumed by flames.
The Yongqing, founded in 536 AD. C., preserved inscriptions, statues and ornaments dedicated to Wenchang DijunTaoist deity linked to culture and literature.
A major fire destroyed the Wenchang Pavilion of Yongqing Temple. Photo: Screenshot/X.Preliminary researchers pointed to a possible electrical fault or the use of candles inside as causes of the fire, according to local media such as Global Times. Investigations continue to determine the exact origin.
Conservation experts warned that the restoration will be very complicated, because many original parts are irreplaceable and the work could last for months. The loss is a blow to local heritage and the religious life of the community.
Investigation and material damage
Official investigations are trying to establish the sequence of events that caused the fire to advance rapidly inside the pavilion. Signs of a short circuit in the electrical system and the possibility that candles in places of worship started the flames are being studied, according to authorities. Experts review remains and documents to specify responsibilities and technical causes.
The mostly wooden structure facilitated the spread of the fire and complicated control tasks, emergency teams indicated. Despite this, the main structure of the temple did not collapsewhich would allow part of the architectural complex to be preserved if the restorations follow strict conservation criteria. However, the ornaments and many inscriptions suffered irreversible damage.
Preliminary investigators pointed to a possible electrical fault or the use of candles inside as causes of the fire. Photo: Screenshot/X.Images and videos uploaded to social networks served to document the magnitude of the incident and accelerate the mobilization of local resources. For their part, cultural heritage specialists evaluated the state of the surviving pieces and planned conservation interventions that respect the original technique.
The local community launched fundraising campaigns and demanded that the reconstruction adhere to strict historical criteria to maintain fidelity to the original design. The temple, rebuilt at different times during the Ming and Qing dynasties, has red walls and blue tiles that are part of the symbolism of the site.
The Wenchang Pavilion played a vital role in the community: students came to ask for academic success before important exams.
