Beijing began efforts on Thursday to have the ancient Yunju Temple, in the southern suburbs of the capital city, listed as a world heritage site.

The temple is famous for its collection of 14,278 stone tabletscarrying Buddhism scriptures, the biggest collection in China.

The stone tablets were inscribed over six dynasties, namely, from Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618) to Ming Dynasty ( AD 1368-1644). Thewhole process lasted 1,039 years.

Seven towers from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and five towersfrom the Liao Dynasty (AD 916-1125) as well some reliquaries located in the temple. One of the Tang-dynasty pagodas is the oldest in Beijing.

A meeting was held at the temple on August 7 to mark the 45th anniversary of the discovery of 10,082 precious stone tablets, according to local sources.

( Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2002)