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Potala palace gets 7-year-long face-lift

2009-08-28 08:49 BJT

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The Potala Palace is one of the landmarks of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. After enduring a harsh climate for more than a thousand years, the temple has received a much-needed face lift. The seven-year-long renovation gives the ancient structure a whole new look.

The Potala Palace was built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty. Seven years ago, archeologists scrutinized the labyrinth-like underground world of the building, and found the foundation was in dire need of renovation.

Although the materials originally used in the construction look good to the naked eye, they are not water repellent. Experts conducted numerous experiments, hoping to find the best way to make it more resistant to water damage.

Qamba Gesang, director of Potala Palace Management Office, said, "We mixed four different materials to use as grout. We experimented it in some buildings for one year, and finally used it in the Potala Palace. Now the foundation of the Palace is much stronger."

Also, many of the frescos scattered around the halls of the Palace peeled off due to years of weathering. Experts found ways to renew them. More than 200 priceless items are now on display. Among them were a Sakyamuni sculpture made 15-hundred years ago and a Thangkas from the Qing Dynasty.

Editor: Liu Anqi | Source: CCTV.com