Beijing started Sunday to renovate an imperial temple housing the sculptures of emperors, celebrities and generals living in ancient times.

The temple, built on the western side of the city in 1531, covers about 21,000 square meters. It was built for royalty.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) rituals were held here to worship the ancestors of the Chinese nation and celebrities from various dynasties.

The renovation will cost 150 million yuan (about 18 million U.S. dollars). The temple is expected to open to the public in 2003.

(Xinhua 12/24/2000)