Royal Taoist temple to open after renovation (2/5)

The photo taken on August 13, 2014 shows the main hall in Dagaoxuan Palace, a royal Taoist temple complex under renovation in the Forbidden City in Beijing. Founded in 1542, during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the complex covers an area of 13,000 square meters. It is the only imperial Taoist abbey dating the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) in China, and constitutes an important part of the Forbidden City. The ancient structure, sealed up for nearly 60 years, will be open to the public after repair work is done. After the renovation, the palace will become a cultural center where exhibitions and cultural activities will be held. [Photo: China News Service/ Liu Guanguan]