1,500-year-old Yongqing Temple in China hit by massive fire | VIDEO

Beijing: A massive fire erupted on November 12, 2025, at the 1,500-year-old Yongqing Temple located in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China, causing severe damage to the historic site’s multi-storey Wenchang Pavilion. The blaze, which ignited around 11:24 AM, quickly consumed the pavilion, a replica of ancient-style architecture within the temple complex, creating large clouds of smoke and flames visible from afar, as recorded by eyewitnesses.

Local authorities confirmed that firefighters promptly responded to the emergency and managed to largely bring the fire under control by the afternoon, with no casualties reported. While the multi-storey pavilion was destroyed, the main structures of the temple, which dates back to the Southern Dynasty period (around 536 AD), remained intact. The temple is renowned for its Buddhist heritage, intricate wooden architecture, and spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims and tourists across centuries.

The cause of the fire is under thorough investigation, with experts examining potential factors such as faulty electrical wiring, the use of incense, or inherent structural vulnerabilities in the centuries-old buildings.

Restoration work is expected to be a lengthy process, aiming to rebuild the damaged pavilion while preserving the historical and cultural integrity of Yongqing Temple. Authorities and heritage conservationists have pledged efforts to support the temple’s recovery and maintain its status as one of Jiangsu’s most revered ancient sites.