The fire broke out at the three-storey wooden Wenchang Pavilion located within the 1500-year-old Yongqing temple in Zhangjiagang city at around 11:24am, reported The Standard.
According to Global Times, the fire was likely caused by the improper use of incense and candles by a visitor.
Videos shared on social media showed the pavilion bursting into flames from top to bottom.
Thick smoke was seen billowing into the sky.
Pieces of the damaged roof were caught midair as they tumbled from the structure
