China: A fire broke out at a beautiful mountaintop temple in China last week after tourists were carelessly handling candles and incense sticks while on a routine visit.
The incident took place on November 21 at the Wenchang Pavilion in Jiangsu province. Video clips and images circulating online show flames and black smoke billowing from the mountaintop temple. It has caused widespread concern among residents and travelers in the know.
The temple complex is a popular cultural destination for visitors exploring the slopes of Fenghuang Mountain. The viral footage of the temple on fire has sparked a new debate about tourist behavior and safety at heritage sites across China.
Fire breaks out at Wenchang Pavilion
Videos and images from the scene showed the three-story pavilion rapidly engulfed in flames, with parts of its roof collapsing.
The temple, completed in 2009, is operated by the neighboring Yongqing Temple. Its origins date back centuries. Although the pavilion is a modern reconstruction, its design reflects traditional architectural styles common to the region.
Investigative points to tourist negligence
Initial findings by investigators suggest that visitors were using candles and incense incorrectly. Local authorities have stressed that such behavior is "irresponsible" and has put both the heritage site and the surrounding forest area at risk. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident, and officials said the fire did not spread beyond the pavilion.
Temple restoration steps up
Officials said more safety measures will be put in place soon to prevent similar incidents. Once the investigation is complete, restoration work will begin in the traditional style of the original structure. Renovations are expected in the coming weeks as reconstruction plans are finalized.
The incident drew comparisons to the 2023 fire at the centuries-old Shandan Great Buddha Temple in Gansu province, where much of the complex was destroyed, with only the giant Buddha statue partially intact.