Chinese Urbanization overlooks religion

Chinese authorities rarely consider historical heritage in the country’s urbanization process. Religious buildings are even less likely to be taken into account. Following the destruction of three centuries-old Buddhist temples as part of an urban development project, the authorities of Xihu district, in Jiangxi province, are planning to build a new, bigger temple in order to place the monks and nuns communities together, something that is strictly forbidden by Buddhism. Responding to the protests, the local government simply said that religious activities are conducted under the rule of the Party.

Such a situation is quite similar to what is currently happening in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, where churches and crosses were destroyed under an urban beautification program.