Xinhua, September 1, 2006

Shanxi, China -- The world's oldest wooden pagoda, the Sakyamuni Pagoda in Ying County in north China's Shanxi Province, which celebrates its 950th birthday next month, is tilting.

There is an obvious tilt between the first and second floors and cracking of the interior wooden columns, said Chai Zejun, a specialist in ancient architecture.

There are also 300 places in the pagoda that are in need of repair, said Chai. At 65.86 meters tall it is said to be the tallest wooden pagoda in the world.

"We are worried about the ancient pagoda's safety," said Chai.

A special organization, the Committee of Administration for Repairs and Protection of Ying County Wood Pagoda, is preparing a plan to repair and protect the structure.

Built in 1056 and located some 380 km from Beijing, the nine-storey Buddhist pagoda is a superb example of ancient China's building and carpentry techniques.

The 950th anniversary celebration schedules for Sept. 5th is expected to attract 30,000 people to the pagoda.