An archaeologist measures the ruins of Guoqing Temple. [Photo/WeChat account: zgntrb]

Preparations for the backfilling of Guoqing Temple in Rudong county, Nantong, Jiangsu province are under way as the backfilling plan has recently been approved by the provincial culture and tourism department, local media reported on Dec 5.

The plan proposes to employ all feasible means to improve the ability of Guoqing Temple to avoid foreign invasions. It also states that a Guoqing Temple Ruins Park will be established in this area when the backfilling is completed.

Pictures are drawn by archaeologists for cultural relics unearthed in the Guoqing Temple ruins. [Photo/WeChat account: zgntrb]

Replications of more than 10 cultural relics in the temple and other unearthed cultural relics will be on display at the ruins park.

In 2017, archaeologists unearthed the ruins of the temple, which was built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and is one of the important spots along the East China Sea route on the Maritime Silk Road.

Currently, 28 cities along the Maritime Silk Road, including Nantong, are preparing to apply for the recognition of world cultural heritage sites.