Heritage sites in Xi'an under termite threat

XI'AN: More than 70 percent of ancient buildings in Xi'an are under attack from termites, posing a long-term risk to the city's heritage, it was revealed yesterday.

Pest control teams are already at work to battle the bugs in Huajuexiang Mosque, built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and Baxian Temple, which dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1127), said local authorities.

Termites, also known as white ants, feed on dead materials such as wood and can cause serious structural damage to buildings.