Detailed Introduction
Temple restoration combines historical research, traditional craftsmanship, and modern science to revive century-old temples and extend their cultural legacy. Taiwan has evolved from simple renovation to scientific, professional restoration.
**Core Principles**: 'Repair the old as old' — preserve original materials and techniques, avoiding over-restoration. 'Reversibility' — use materials that can be removed without damaging original structures. 'Minimal intervention' — make the fewest changes needed for safety. All work must be thoroughly documented for future reference.
**Notable Cases**: Taipei Longshan Temple underwent a major restoration (2015-2020) costing hundreds of millions NT$, addressing its wooden framework, stone carvings, paintings, and caisson ceiling — a benchmark project. Lukang Tianhou Temple's restoration focused on authentic Hokkien architectural style, with teams traveling to Fujian for research. Tainan Confucius Temple restorations always draw national attention as the 'First Academy of Taiwan.'
**Challenges**: A critical shortage of traditional master craftsmen in wood carving, painting, and jiannian; scarcity of traditional materials like specific timber, natural stone, and mineral pigments; and the tension between historical preservation and modern structural safety requirements.
**Policies**: The Cultural Heritage Preservation Act (1982, revised multiple times) established a tiered protection system. The government runs certification programs for restoration craftsmen and the Bureau of Cultural Heritage oversees national restoration affairs, conducting regular training programs to cultivate new generations of preservation professionals.