Historic temple all set for its 30-meter move

The main pavilion of Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple will be shifted 30 meters northward on September 2, 2017. Mahavira Hall, built in 1918, will be moved along with three huge Buddhist statues and other cultural heritages inside. Shanghai Construction No 4 Group added never before has such an operation been attempted with a temple in China. The moving project along with other renovations are aimed at creating more room for worshippers and to address fire and other safety concerns at the popular historic temple in Anyuan Road. The project is expected to be completed in two weeks when some 500 square meters of space will be released in the main square, doubling its current size, for worshipers and visitors to pray, said Shen Junqi, the project manager. Other pavilions and halls will remain open during the project. [Photo/VCG]