Swallows swarm temple

An influx of swallows has ruffled feathers at the Temple of Heaven after many were found nesting inside Qinian Hall.

Staff have voiced concern about the damage to cultural relics at the Dongcheng district tourist site caused by the birds' nests and feces, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

"We have no way to turn [the swallows] back if they want to come," said a staffer at the Temple of Heaven.

Wang Shiren, an expert with the Capital Planning and Construction Group, warned that swallow feces has a corrosive effect on ancient buildings. Animal rights activists have opposed destroying the nests.