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China concludes reparation of Dalai Lamas' palaces

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-23 19:15

LHASA: China on Sunday officially concluded the reparation of the Potala Palace and Norbu Lingka, or the former winter and summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas.

The Chinese government has spent nearly 300 million yuan (US$43.9 million) in the two projects, along with another 94.74 million yuan in the reparation of the Sagya Monastery, which is known for housing numerous classical books on Buddhism and precious paintings.

A ceremony was held Sunday on the public square in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, to celebrate the success of repair work.

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"The reparation of the three key cultural relics is an important part in the conservation of the Tibetan culture," said State Councilor Liu Yandong at the ceremony.

The Potala Palace, built in the 7th century, is on the world cultural heritage list. Norbu Lingka, which means "treasure park" in the Tibetan language, was the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.

The three projects started in 2002 with a combined budget of 330 million yuan.