Police in China have opened an investigation after a fitness influencer filmed himself doing pull-ups on a wooden beam at the 1,500-year-old Hanging Temple in Shanxi province.
Following an investigation, temple staff revealed that no visible damage to the historic structure was found.
Police will determine the appropriate punishment for the person involved.
According to local media reports, the influencer posted the video on social media on 11 Oct.
It showed the man jumping up and grabbing a wooden beam along a corridor at the temple.
Source: Red Star News via news.ifeng
He then performed five pull-ups before dropping back to the ground.
The video quickly drew widespread attention online.
Some viewers questioned whether the footage was genuine, as the post carried a label indicating that it might contain AI-generated content.
Others criticised the influencer, saying his actions could have damaged the cultural relic.
While the influencer reportedly deleted the video on 12 Oct, the Hengshan Scenic Area Management Centre had already received reports regarding the incident and reviewed surveillance footage.
Source: Red Star News via news.ifeng
They discovered that it occurred on 27 Sept in the corridor outside the main hall, Red Star News reported.
On 12 Oct, temple staff told reporters they are reviewing the surveillance footage, adding that the police have also intervened.
They also emphasised that the influencer’s behaviour is not allowed.
“If he causes damage to the cultural relic, he will definitely be punished,” they said.
They stressed that their biggest concern was the possible damage to the cultural relic, which they had been meticulously maintaining.
On 13 Oct, the temple staff reportedly said no damage has been found, but police would determine the appropriate punishment for the person involved.
The Hanging Temple dates back to the Northern Wei Dynasty.
The “suspended structure” was built between the cliffs of Mount Heng’s Cuiping Peak, where it has stood for more than 1,500 years.
Source: Red Star News via news.ifeng
In 1982, it was listed as a nationally protected cultural heritage site.
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Featured image adapted from Red Star News via news.ifeng.