Myanmar's ancient temple city faces modern danger

File photo shows hot air balloons carrying tourists floating above the pagodas of the ancient city of Bagan in northern Myanmar

Bagan (Myanmar) (AFP) - The spires of Bagan have survived wars, earthquakes and centuries of tropical sun, but in recent years Myanmar's ancient capital has faced a distinctly modern threat -- scaffolding and cement.

The temples, some of which are around 1,000 years old, are one of the country's most treasured religious sites and a top attraction for foreign tourists flocking to the country as it emerges from decades of military rule.