‘Irresponsible’ tourist blamed for torched Chinese temple due to improper use of ceremonial candles
A temple that previously sat upon Fenghuang Mountain in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, has burned down due to “irresponsible candle use,” according to local authorities. NX
A fire, reportedly sparked by a tourist’s “irresponsible candle use” and careless handling of incense, broke out at the Wenchang Pavilion in China on Wednesday, November 12.
Footage of the blaze shows flames and thick black smoke engulfing the three-story temple.
The Wenchang Pavilion, commissioned in 2008 and completed in October 2009, is located on Fenghuang Mountain in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the temple did not house any historic architectural relics. Authorities confirmed that the fire was quickly contained and did not spread to nearby forest areas.
The pavilion was under the management of the neighboring Yongqing Temple. While the original Yongqing Temple dates back several centuries, its current structures were reconstructed in the 1990s.
Local officials stated that the investigation into the fire is ongoing and emphasized that enhanced safety measures will be implemented to reduce the risk of future incidents. Restoration of the Wenchang Pavilion, following its traditional architectural style, is expected to begin once the investigation concludes.
This fire follows a similar incident in 2023 at the centuries-old Shandan Great Buddha Temple in Gansu province’s Shandan County, which was almost entirely destroyed, leaving only a partially intact giant Buddha statue.
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