agree with the chief monk's opinion that it's a supporting construction and does not detract from the heritage site."

Bien also pointed out that the building uses wooden swinging half doors that are not suitable for a religious site. Moreover it is decorated with statues of a dragon head with an elephant trunk and lion's nose, Bien said.

"These are really strange objects that never appear in Vietnamese cultural and religious history. It may be a personal creation and shouldn't be applied at the religious site."

Nguyen Mau Chi from Hue City first visited Huong Pagoda 20 years ago. He was impressed by the beauty of the pagoda and the harmony between the natural sight and architectural structures.

When he returned to the site this year, it came as a shock whenhe saw the old beautiful pagoda sandwiched between new structures including the Huong Nghiem building.

"I feel disappointed because the tranquility, solemnity and modesty were lost," Chi said. "Huong Pagoda Complex is full of restaurants, shops, noisy visitors and new buildings that are not suitable for the surrounding space and nature."

Le Loan, a student from Ha Noi, said she has volunteered to serve Huong Pagoda festivals in recent years and had the chance to stay at the building twice.

"The old house before was too run-down, and we had to stay in bad conditions," said Loan. "When the Huong Nghiem building was finished, it opened to pilgrims and visitors to the pagoda to stay for free."

"I think a new building with convenient bedrooms will serve tourists better. However, it should