Investing in the preservation of Potala Palace

The Chinese government is investing in the preservation of Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Chinese government has invested nearly 800 million yuan (approximately 111.3 million U.S. dollars) in various initiatives over the past 30 years to safeguard the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.

This funding has been directed towards structural repairs, restoration of the golden roof, structural monitoring, and the preservation and utilization of ancient books and documents. Additionally, an online ticketing system has been developed, according to the management office of the palace.

The Potala Palace celebrates its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site this year.

Located in Lhasa, the regional capital, the palace was originally built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and later expanded in the 17th century. It houses invaluable scriptures, historical documents, and relics such as statues, paintings, and frescoes, making it a top tourist destination in Xizang.

Since 2014, the Potala Palace has welcomed approximately 14.4 million visitors, both domestic and international, stated Kunga Tashi, deputy director of the management office.

Built using traditional Tibetan earth-stone-wood techniques, the palace underwent two major restorations. The first lasted from 1989 to 1994, while the second began in the early 21st century.

Both restorations adhered to the principle of preserving the original structure, utilizing traditional skills to ensure authenticity.

Kunga Tashi highlighted that these large-scale restorations addressed critical structural issues, establishing a foundation for long-term preservation and utilization.

The management office now includes a dedicated maintenance department with over 60 local artisans, such as carpenters, tailors, and painters, according to department head Tashi Phuntsog.

So far, more than 110,000 artifacts within the palace have been cataloged as movable cultural relics, including a thangka painting of Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795).

Efforts to preserve and digitize ancient books and documents have resulted in the digital archiving of 1.23 million items.

Fire safety measures have been a priority, with firefighters stationed at the site for 40 years. Notably, no fires have been reported during this period.

In 2015, local legislation was enacted in Xizang to protect the cultural heritage of the Potala Palace, ensuring its preservation through regulatory measures.