Debate about the reconstruction of the derelict Old Summer Palace, or Yuan Mingyuan in Beiing's north has flared again, recently.

Beijing-based newspaper, the Guangming Daily interviewed several scholars to glean thoughts on the proposed reconstruction of the palace. The interviewees offered contradictory opinions.

Ye Tingfang, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, is against the proposal. He believes that the Old Summer Palace is valuable as a memorial of the historic invasions of China. The ruins are priceless cultural relics of great aesthetic value, and they do not need to be reconstructed.

However, some other architects hold opposing views, saying the reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace is necessary. They argue if it cant' be completely re-built today, at least do part of it.