Ancient pagoda takes off 'face mask' to breathe spring air

Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage and other institutions gave their suggestions on the removal of the spire and also provided data support for repair and restoration of the leaning part via x-ray inspection and 3D digital scanning.

Ancient scripture was also found on the top of the spire. "Although the damage to the spire is kind of critical, it still reflects the delicacy of the ancient Chinese bronze casting technique. The ancient Chinese could even carve on a thin copper sheet," said Ma Jinyu, an expert with the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage.

After months of restoration, the well-restored pagoda with a delicate spire stood out from the green forest.

"The removal of the scaffold marks the completion of maintenance work of Baochu Pagoda," said Xu Lili, staff from the pagoda's administration office. "The demolition work was once affected by the epidemic outbreak."

"Now, the scaffold has been removed; then we will clean the closed area and get down to afforestation and environmental restoration. As of April, visitors will meet the 'healed' Baochu Pagoda again." Xu said.

The ancient pagoda was first built more than 1,000 years ago. It was changed into a seven-story pagoda when it was rebuilt in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).