World's leading authority on Chinese culture and a prolific scholar

Developments from its foundation in 2005 to the present

The centers draw on African and Chinese culture, and Buddhist philosophy

Appointees to fill key roles previously held by senior monastics

End to monastic expulsions in sight

Government spokesman denies reports institute is being demolished

Expulsion of monastic residents suspended

Media reports indicate evictions of monks and nuns continue

Taiwanese master Hsing Yun praises China's One Belt, One Road plan

State order aims to limit population to 5,000 monastics by October 2017

Gilt-bronze sculpture is the largest known Buddha statue from this period