A major fire gutted the Lingxiao Hall at Taipei's Zhinan Temple, and rebuilding the historic wooden structure will likely need both donations and government money.

• Fire tore through the temple's main hall in Taipei's Wenshan District, badly charring its wooden framework.
• No injuries were reported, but the hall — built 60 years ago — will need extensive restoration work.
• Temple leadership plans to set up a dedicated donation fund, warning that temple architecture is far costlier than ordinary building repair because of the artistic craftsmanship involved.
• Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen is pushing for the Ministry of Culture to open a special project and says lawmakers will set up a coordination desk with local councilors.
• Restoration planning may also fold in the surrounding natural environment, since the temple sits in a scenic mountain area.

Outlook: Expect a fundraising drive and a push for central government support, with insurance coverage a key unresolved question.