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The Relocation of Zhang Fei’s Temple Zhu and Li

the Yangtze River, opposite to the projects in China.
New Yunyang Town across the River • From the above-mentioned
as before. The layout of the former evaluations , the experts reached a
11
surroundings has been mostly respected common agreement that the relocation
and thoroughly considered, embodying project of General Zhang Fei’s Temple
the international principle that the was a successful case on the conservation
conservation of a monument implies of historic building complex. It strictly
preserving the traditional setting in which adhered to the Law of Cultural Relics
it occurs. of China and the basic principles of
• The former style and layout of General international charters on conservation.
Zhang Fei’s Temple has been kept very The experts agreed that the construction
well. A good respect for the visual was good to pass the examination.
scenery around the Temple has been
maintained. The principle of “no change 5. REFLECTIONS
to the former status” as required by the Some thoughts on the conservational
law of China was strictly followed. relocation of General Zhang Fei’s Temple:
• The methods used to preserve the China has experienced the flourishing age
building materials during the disassembly of Market Economy and developed rapidly
and transmission process were effective. at an amazing speed, which has already
The reuse of old building components impressed the whole world. The construction
in the restoration process were applied of the Three Gorges Dam Project was the
to a great extent, especially in the direct cause that resulted in the relocation of
conservation of historic carvings and General Zhang Fei’s Temple. It was decided
sculptures of timber and stone. that the emphasis of this conservation
• Good work in the combination of action was on how to preserve the historic
restoration and reparation in this setting of General Zhang Fei’s Temple, and
construction project. Although traditional how to keep local beliefs and associated
construction techniques were adhered cultural values. The decision to relocate the
to as a general rule, modern scientific Temple together with the People reflects
techniques and materials were also China’s modernization conservation goals,
implemented in a careful manner so as to including relocating with the New Town,
help preserve the Temple for a long run. keeping landscape view across the River,
• In the process of construction, many and reconstructing the new site as the old
effective measures were taken to increase setting. In addition, as the largest historic
work efficiency. A reasonable schedule building complex protection project in
on the arrangement of works was created, the Three Gorges Dam Project, General
detailed data on the construction were Zhang Fei’s Temple had become the focus
recorded, all of which helped to ensure of social attention from the beginning.
good organization and management. The government at different levels and the
• Introduced the system of supervision of media all over China drew great attention to
construction on the conservation project this relocation project. Through television,
for the first time. Invited professional newspapers, and the Internet, people knew
institutes as supervisors to monitor the every stage and every detail of the relocation.
whole procedure of construction. Set new The open process was a testament of China’s
management standards for conservation development capabilities in all aspects.
Reviewing the whole project, there are some

11 Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics, Chongqing Municipal Immigration Bureau, Zhanghuanhou
Temple in Yunyang, Beijing: Cultural Relics Press, 2011, p380-p400.

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