Effort will be made to minimize air pollution and fire risks from incense burning and to regulate the Buddhist practice of freeing captive animals in order to prevent invasive species.

"The problem of some temples being too commercialized will affect the healthy development of the two religions, compromise social morals and trigger corruption," said the guideline.

The cause of the problem is complicated, partly due to less disciplined religious people and partly to interest groups that want to turn faith into a business, said an anonymous SARA official.

Both Master Xuecheng and Li pledged that temples will tighten management and strictly implement discipline.

A Taoist temple in central China's Henan Province has been shut down due to excessive commercial practices, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) said Thursday.

The temple, which dates back to Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was renovated by a local company in 2006 and was put into use in 2007. The temple was approved by local authorities to operate as a site for Taoist activities in 2011.

Investigation found that the temple had been seeking profits in the name of religion, said the SACH, noting that religious activities in the temple had been halted.

The SACH pledged that it would instruct local authorities to improve supervision.