Nov 14, Kathmandu - A fire broke out at Yongqing Temple in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, at 11:24 a.m. local time on Wednesday, causing extensive damage.

The wooden structure of the reconstructed ancient-style Wenchang Pavilion was completely destroyed, leaving only a concrete frame, Chinese media reported.

The pavilion was the retreat of Shi Nai'an, the author of "Water Margin". There were no human casualties in the incident. Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire.

Yongqing Temple is located in Fenghuang Town, Zhangjiagang. It was built in the second year of Datong of the Southern Liang Dynasty in 9536 AD. The original buildings were demolished in 1958. Reconstruction began in 1993 and was opened to the public in 1999.

In 2007, it was listed as a protected cultural relic unit of Zhangjiagang City. Wenchang Pavilion was also rebuilt in 1993.