Master Hsing Yun prays for blessings during a returning ceremony of an ancient Buddhist sculpture at Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, southeast China's Taiwan, Feb. 21, 2016. (Photo/Xinhua)

The head of an ancient Buddhist sculpture stolen in 1996 from Youju Temple in north China's Hebei province will return to the mainland with the help of Master Hsing Yun, the founding abbot of Fo Guang Shan Temple.

The sculpture, made of white marble, dates back to the North Qi (550-557 A.D.) of South and North Dynasties. It was originally worshipped at Youju Temple until the head disappeared in 1996.

During the 20 years, the stolen Buddha head was shipped to overseas and bought by a private collector who donated it to Fo Guang Shan Temple in Taiwan.

Master Hsing Yun prayed for blessings during a returning ceremony held for the sculpture at Fo Guang Shan Temple in Kaohsiung, southeast China's Taiwan on Feb. 21.

The National Museum in Beijing will organize a ceremony on March 1 to welcome back the sculpture piece, which will be returned to the permanent collection of the Hebei Museum.