A friend of mine, who has been working in Li Jiang with her husband for years on cultural exchange programmes, asked me if there could be any sources of donations to the following renovation project.

Should any one of you or you know anyone who would be interested, feel free to contact me. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

The 100-year rebirth of The North Gate Mountain Confucian Temple

 

Project Proposal – Restoration and revitalization of a landmark Confucian Temple (late Ching Dynasty). Our goal is to restore this local landmark to its original grander and point of pride for the local community. The completed building and *adjoining garden/park would provide a place for locals and visitors to gather and participate in educational and community based social programs as well as provide an arts and entertainment venue within the community.

Location – Jiuhe, at the foot of North Gate Mountain, 600 meters off State route 214. (One hour from Lijiang Old Town) Population 984

Site Description – 7 Mu parcel of land. Total footage of the house including the front yard is 1200 Sq. Meters. A mountain spring runs directly behind the structure with a river 100 meters east of the building. Locals say the village is in the shape of a dragon and the temple represents the head of the dragon. It is considered to have ideal feng shu.

The Temple structure - The temple is a unique design, larger than traditional Naxi or Bai houses. It is three stories (12 meters in height) with total interior space of 250 Sq. meters. It was and built in the Bai style by the same masters (Yang Jin Tang and Don Wen Kun) that designed Black Dragon pool in Lijiang and Cloud Crane pavilion in HeChing. The building with it’s carved dragons and phoenix offer the perfect combination of traditional Bai architecture and feng shu. The people of the area see it as the symbol of the wisdom of DoTou village.

Historical Background – The temple was built at the turn-of-the century through the support of unknown missionaries. It served as a temple for the local population until around 1949. It was than converted into an office for local government and later still became the local Hexi elementary school.

Current condition - During the Cultural Revolution the building was vandalized and all the beautiful original wood carved windows and folding doors were destroyed. During its use as an office and than school it was heavily used but not maintained. After many years of non-use and neglect it is on the verge of collapse, with some sections already deteriorated to a point where some sections will need to be replaced rather than just restored. Construction professionals who have accessed the structure are of the opinion that immediate attention is needed to save the temple from completely collapsing and being totally lost forever.

 

Our Plan – Local officials approached us about their dilemma: Wanting to restore the ancient landmark but lacking the resources and incentive to begin the process.  Jiuhe is a community of farmers and carpenters. The town government simply does not have the resources to fund this project. In the summer 0f 2007 we met with local governors and village officials and agreed to an arrangement stating that we would facilitate the restoration and also manage and maintain the facility i.e. offering exciting and diverse programs, workshops and performances to inspire, entertain and educate.

In the spirit of original sponsors, and with respect for the wisdom of Confucian principles and our own ideas of creating a place to foster the arts and sciences we really would like to take on this challenge. A challenge that once realized will surely have a profound impact on this small town. Though we are not missioners, like the sponsors of 100 years ago. We are visionaries who can see that 100 years later there is still a need for a place for common people to come, that may give them a chance to see beyond their small village and to a future of opportunities for themselves and families and especially their children. We are not novices to this type of project and are confident that with your support we can make this reality and provide a special place to educate, entertain and inspire for another 100 years.

 

What we need –

We have the expertise and motivation. We need financial support. Below is an estimated cost analysis we obtained from the local government. The local government has agree to assist in any and all capacities in order to get started as soon as possible. Ideally work would begin immediately after Lunar New Year 2008 with the competition of Phase I before the rainy season arrives this June.

 

Construction cost estimate

 Phase I

1. Foundation material (78.6 cubic meters)                                              20,000 rmb
2. Bricks (165.7 cubic meters)                                                                  70,000 rmb
3. Paint - interior and exterior (1290 Sq. meters)                                      20,000 rmb
4. Flooring (180 Sq. meters)                                                                       9,000 rmb
5. Roof title (286 Sq. meters)                                                                     10,000 rmb
6. Lumber (50 cubic meters)                                                                      60,000 rmb
7. Oil paint for wooden support beams (815 sq. meters)                           12,000 rmb
8. Ceiling - interior (360 sq. meters)                                                          13,000 rmb
9. Labor cost (est.) 1200 hours @30rmb per hour                                     36,000 rmb

 

Total estimate for building restoration                                                  250,000 rmb

                                                                                                                     33,333 USD

 *Phase II

The total property site is approximately seven mu, two of which is currently a cement basketball court. This area would be designed for a public garden and park. A rough cost estimate for the garden is 100,000 – 150,000 rmb. Plans for the garden/park will begin after completion of Phase I.

 

We would like your help to begin Phase I. We would be happy to discuss this proposal further and are open to suggestions you might have in order to get this project funded. We believe this project would significantly influence this community for many years and provide opportunities that might otherwise never exist for the people of this small town. We also feel the restoration of this Confucian temple is significant due to the fact that so few Confucian temples still exist in all of China. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tony Trapasso & Mei Li Trapasso

 

 

 

 

 

小店今天迎来2008年第一个同事生日，由此拉开了2008年一月的密集的生日蛋糕出台序幕，几乎每周一个。

小马哥首先发表了热情洋溢的答谢辞，然后在众目睽睽下慢吞吞地抖抖索索地切蛋糕，让众口水嘀嗒。小马格说以往过生日都是家里煮两个鸡蛋，可可老师说蛋糕里面有两个鸡蛋，或者相当于两个蛋糕。小马哥只会切偶数块，不会切奇数块，所以多处了若干块块，可可老师说属于野蛮照应路桥等同学，就怕回头都馊拉。