Jackie Chan gives architectural gems to foreign university

Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan recently said on his Sina Weibo that he was excited about plans for restoring and exhibiting four ancient Chinese architectural structures he donated to a Singaporean university, sparking controversy over whether it is appropriate.

Chan bought 10 ancient structures in the Huizhou style made of precious woods in the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties 20 years ago for his parents.

He later planned to donate the disassembled structures to Hong Kong for exhibition after his parents passed away, but never reached an agreement regarding land appropriation.

He then reached out to the Singaporean government two years ago and found a proper place at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, and decided to donate four of the structures: a pavilion, an opera stage and two houses.

"They represent the essence of Chinese architecture and I couldn't let them lie in storage. I am thrilled to see the models on exhibition at the university," Chan wrote on Thursday.

The university Sunday confirmed Chan's recent visit. The structures, worth some S$1.7 million ($1.37 million), were listed as capital donation in its 2012 report.

Netizens expressed differing opinions. Some argue that it is better to preserve them overseas than leave it in China to the danger of forced demolition. Others wish the cultural treasure could stay at home.

Chan and his agent could not be reached for comment Sunday about whether the structures are cultural relics.

"Moving the architecture away would sever its historical and cultural link to its origin and therefore lose its value," said Li Yongge, director of the ancient architecture restoration center at the Palace Museum.

Xie Chensheng, one of drafters of the Cultural Relics Protection Law, told the Global Times that ancient architecture qualifies as cultural relics, and cannot be sold or donated overseas.