Nearly two years after a devastating fire almost completely destroyed the Tam Bao (Main Hall) of Pho Quang Pagoda - also known as Xuan Lung Pagoda - in Xuan Lung Commune, Phu Tho Province, the centuries-old Buddhist temple is undergoing a comprehensive restoration.

Amid piles of construction materials, new timber columns for the rebuilt Tam Bao Hall are gradually taking shape. Just a few meters away, numerous centuries-old Buddhist statues remain blackened and cracked from the fire. The nationally recognized Tran Dynasty Lotus Stone Buddhist Altar continues to be supported by a steel frame to protect it during construction.

Pho Quang Pagoda is a nationally protected historical site with a history spanning more than 800 years. Before the fire, it housed an extensive collection of clay and wooden Buddhist statues dating back hundreds of years, along with the Tran Dynasty Lotus Stone Buddhist Altar, recognized as a National Treasure.

In October 2024, a fire broke out in the Tam Bao Hall, destroying the roof, the main timber support system and numerous wooden structural components. Dozens of ancient statues were scorched, cracked or broken, while the National Treasure was also damaged after three lotus petals on its two uppermost tiers were chipped and fractured.

Following the completion of investment procedures, the restoration and conservation project officially began in early 2026.

According to VietNamNet's on-site observations, construction crews continue working daily. The wooden columns, crossbeams and roof trusses of the Tam Bao Hall have now been largely completed, while work on the roof, surrounding walls, flooring and supporting infrastructure is progressing simultaneously.

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In sharp contrast to the newly installed timber structure, the interior of the hall still bears clear evidence of the devastating fire nearly two years later.

Many clay and wooden Buddhist statues remain blackened, with their lacquer and gilding peeling away. Some have lost parts of their heads, arms or torsos, while others were cracked by the intense heat. Temporary shelters have been erected over the damaged statues to protect them until restoration begins.

Standing at the center of the hall, the Tran Dynasty Lotus Stone Buddhist Altar remains in its original location. The National Treasure suffered damage during the fire, with two lotus-petal corners broken on the fifth and uppermost tier and another chipped on the fourth tier. Since the fire, the entire altar has been reinforced with a protective steel framework.

According to information displayed at the construction site, the restoration project has a total investment of more than VND39.3 billion (approximately US$1.5 million).

The project is managed by the People's Committee of Xuan Lung Commune and includes reconstructing the Tam Bao Hall according to its traditional architectural design, building a three-entrance gate, a Mau Temple, landscaped gardens, technical infrastructure, fire prevention and firefighting systems, and supporting facilities.

The restoration is scheduled to be completed within 450 days.

 
 Duc Hoang