Should we restore ruins?

gzlaser

A CENTURY-OLD debate is rekindling over the fate of China's most famous architectural ruins.

A Zhengjiang non-profit group announced recently that it has raised more than 1 billion yuan to build a life-sized replica of Beijing's Yuanmingyuan, or the \"Garden of Gardens\" – not just the ruins, but the original, in Hengdian, Zhejiang.

The news drew more public attention to the original Yuanmingyuan in Beijing, where a renovation project has been silently under way in the last few years. Garden authorities plan to rebuild about 10 percent of the original 300-year-old garden, including some gates, walls and buildings.

A People's Daily online survey shows 59.2 percent of those who voted oppose any repairs to the ruins, while 39.8 percent support a partial or full renovation.

Many opponents of the renovation project say the ruins should serve as a permanent reminder of China's contemporary history, especially the part when foreign invaders plundered and destroyed the original magnificent garden.

Supporters, on the other hand, say that Yuanmingyuan was among the best examples of ancient Chinese architecture and the confluence of Chinese and European cultures. They say a partial renovation could help younger generations better understand their history.

What is your opinion? Do you think the authorities should rebuild any part of the original Yuanmingyuan in Beijing?