A stone lion at Beijing's Fayuan Temple. Photo: Screenshot from website

A 600-year-old stone lion at Beijing's Fayuan Temple was damaged after a tourist pushed it over, according to the Weibo account of the China News Weekly on Wednesday. An archaeological expert said that the tourist could face criminal charges or administrative penalties depending on the damage of the artifact.

The stone lions are at least 600 years old, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, and hold significant artistic value, according to the Beijing News.

The cultural relic is classified as a movable artifact and is currently undergoing an identification process, said the report. 

It has been handed over to the cultural heritage department for further handling. Once the cultural heritage authorities assess the item, law enforcement agencies will determine the appropriate penalties, the Beijing News reported.  

Under the Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security, intentionally damaging cultural relics can result in administrative detention of up to 10 days and a fine of 500 yuan ($70). 

According to the Criminal Law, those found guilty of intentionally damaging cultural relics under state protection – especially those classified as national key cultural heritage sites or provincial-level protected relics – can face imprisonment of up to three years or criminal detention, along with a fine. In severe cases, the penalty ranges from three to ten years of imprisonment, plus a fine.  

Built in 645, the Fayuan Temple was designated as a municipal-level protected cultural heritage site in 1979. In 2001, it was included in the fifth batch of key historical and cultural sites under national-level protection by the State Council.  

Global Times