Restoration work on the 24 sculptures of the eighteen arhats and other Buddhist figures in the Dajue Temple has entered its final phase.

In order to recover the original look of the sculptures the temple has invited experienced artisans from northwest China's Shanxi Province to refurbish the ancient works of art using traditional Chinese methods.

The Dajue Buddhist Temple is located outside of Beijing and was built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The eighteen arhats are famous figures in Buddhist legends who were led by the Buddha and can defend the world with their magic. 

(CRI.com June 3, 2004)