Project to restore heritage proves a winner

When you go to see ancient architecture in China the chances are you may only be admiring concrete imitations. Not at Beijing's Temple Hotel.

Behind the heavy wooden doors, a 600-year-old shrine stands along with political slogans from the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). Modern art adorns ancient walls and customers dine elegantly in a set remodeled from 1970s factories.

The hotel is the only winner in China this year in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, in which 43 projects from 11 countries competed in eight categories.