A Chinese model posed for a controversial picture in front of a Thai temple. Although the photos were praised on Chinese and Thai social media, the temple owner deems it disrespectful.

The Chinese government has strict controls on religion, with temples, churches and mosques run by state-controlled groups. Even so, religion is booming, along with tourism, giving some places a ...

It presents models of "Xi'an Gate," the western entrance to the imperial city during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) dynasties, as well as the exquisite "Zhihua Temple" from the Ming period.

Chinese temples are moving with the times, said Buddhist enthusiast Bai Ze, who is also an independent temple product designer working with several temples in East China's Jiangsu Province.

The temple is located on busy Nguyen Trai Street. It can be accessed by entering an iron gate and crossing a small courtyard. The roof is decorated with small, delicately fashioned porcelain figurines ...