China is stepping up the protection of a well-known stupa, or Buddhist shrine building, of Tibetan Buddhism in the northwest province of Qinghai.

Zangniang Stupa and a nearby Sangzhou Lamasery were listed for state protection last year.

Zangniang Stupa, the earliest existing ancient Buddhist building in Qinghai, was built in the 11th century during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). It is one of three world famous Tibetan Buddhist stupas.

However, part of the stupa was damaged in the late 1950s and in the chaotic ?cultural revolution? period (1966-76).

The Qianghai provincial government has mapped out a plan to restore the stupa and better protect it, according to Qinghai Provincial cultural relics department.

Experts said that the 31-meter high Zangniang Stupa was of high historic value, with many rare religious and historic items preserved in it and a nearby lamasery.

In addition, its unique architectural style makes it a striking landmark on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2002)