Watch: Temple under construction catches fire in China
Watch: Half-rebuilt temple catches fire in southwest China
The fire burned down two halls of the temple that is half completed and a 15-story wooden pagoda, which is reported to be the highest wooden pagoda in Asia
A temple under construction in Mianzhu City of southwest China's Sichuan Province caught fire on Sunday. No casualties were reported.
The fire burned down two halls of the temple that is half completed and a 15-story wooden pagoda, which is reported to be the highest wooden pagoda in Asia.
The pagoda was being renovated after the original structure dating back to the 16th century was destroyed at a major earthquake in May 2008.
Witnesses said the fire started at a temple hall and spread to the other two buildings with the wind.
"The fire started at the Great Buddha Hall and spread to the Jade Emperor Hall. Then the wind was blowing and the pagoda was also on fire," said Yu Guixiang, a witness.
The fire lasted over four hours before firefighters brought it under control at 17:00.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is still underway.