Completion of the Potala Palace plaza renovation project was
celebrated in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet
Autonomous Region, on Saturday amid heavy drumbeat, fluttering
colorful banners, and merrily spraying fountains.
Qiangba Puncog, Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional
Government, said the renovation of the square was part of the
central Chinese government's efforts to protect Potala Palace, a
world heritage site.?
"The repaired plaza is a combination of modernity and Tibetan
cultural features and is a multi-function square which can be used
for purposes of rest-taking, recreation, cultural activities and
get-togethers," said the leading regional official.
The project was completed late last month. The new square,
covering 18 hectares, will be the main venue for the upcoming
celebration of the 40th founding anniversary of the Tibet
Autonomous Region.
The project, costing 150 million yuan (about US$18.5 million),
includes brick-paving, building greenbelt, a musical fountain and
installing broadcasting and power facilities. It started in late
March.
?
The Potala Palace, located in the northwestern corner of Lhasa,
was first built by Tibetan King Songtsa Gambo in the 7th century in
the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and expanded during the 17th
century.
It features the essence of ancient Tibetan architectural art. It
was added into the list of world cultural heritage by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
in 1994.
(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2005)
