TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei’s Zhinan Temple has begun planning the restoration of its Lingxiao Hall after a fire severely damaged the 60-year-old building on Aug. 24.
More than 100 firefighters were deployed, and no one was injured. The blaze damaged about 1,500 square meters of the building, destroying the first floor and damaging about one-third of the second floor.
Zhinan Temple Chair Kao Chao-wen (高超文) said the rebuilding project is expected to take at least three years and cost more than NT$100 million (US$3.16 million). Kao said the temple has begun cataloging the damage, filing insurance claims, and raising funds for the restoration, per CNA.
Kao said a fire investigation determined that faulty electrical wiring caused the blaze. The fire spread rapidly after reaching wooden decorative panels in the upper part of the hall, he said. The temple will carefully assess damaged religious artifacts and decorations before deciding what can be restored and what must be replaced.
Undamaged bronze statues blackened by smoke will be cleaned, while damaged statues will be repaired by craftspeople. Items that were destroyed will be recreated, Kao said. The temple will also assess damage to carved decorations, paintings, and roof tiles.
“We will strive to present the original appearance and preserve the ancient style,” Kao said, adding that the goal is for the restored hall to retain the appearance familiar to generations of worshippers. Because the project involves traditional sculpture and other specialized craftsmanship, architects and skilled artisans will be consulted on the design and restoration, he said.
Kao said structural engineers have inspected the building and determined that its main structure remains suitable for restoration, with reinforcement to be carried out where necessary. The temple plans to install fire-resistant materials and establish an upgraded fire protection system as part of the reconstruction.
The Taipei City Government has said it will establish a cross-departmental task force to assist with restoration, involving the Department of Civil Affairs, Fire Department, Department of Cultural Affairs, and other agencies. Although Lingxiao Hall is not designated a historic site, both central government and municipal officials have expressed concern over the damage.
The hall was constructed from 1963 to 1966, according to Zhinan Temple records. The temple describes it as a six-story reinforced-concrete structure featuring elaborate dragon and phoenix decorations and a combination of southern and northern Chinese architectural styles.
Kao said the temple has announced a fundraising account through its official Facebook page and hopes public support will allow reconstruction to begin as quickly as possible. He said any surplus funds remaining after restoration will be used to support firefighters by helping improve firefighting equipment and training.
Kao also expressed concern for the firefighters who responded to the blaze and said he hopes to cooperate with the Taipei City Fire Department to support firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty. Kao said he deeply understands the hardships and risks involved in their work, per CNA.
Zhinan Temple, located in Taipei’s Wenshan District, is one of the city’s best-known Taoist religious centers. The temple complex is also a popular destination for visitors because of its mountain setting, proximity to the Maokong Gondola, and views of Taipei and surrounding areas.
Kao thanked the public for its concern following the fire and said the temple’s priority is to restore the damaged hall while creating a safer environment for worshippers. “We hope to provide everyone with a safe and secure place in the future,” he said.
