Temples doing business

Six months after being exposed as commercial establishments, two ancient temples in Beijing with cultural heritage protection are continuing to operate as exclusive businesses, the Beijing Youth Daily reports.

The Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage announced in January it was investigating the commercial use of Songzhu and Zhizhu temples. Both date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and are located in Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng district.

Zhizhu Temple, home to Temple Restaurant Beijing where the price of meals ranges from 100 to 200 yuan ($16-$32), has retained its original facade. Songzhu Temple is home to a members-only social club, which local residents claim doesn't permit free public access.