Leshan Giant Buddha, a world-famous historical relic in China, will get facelift by Sichuan cultural relics experts and working units.

Due to various reasons, the outer layer of the Buddha is flaking off, growing with grass and the topknots seen with clefts on it. To better protect this world cultural piece, it is approved by Sichuan cultural relics management department to get the Buddha revamped especially on head and body.

According to experts, renovation had ever been done in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s of last century. This time, workers will adopt traditional material to try to restore its original appearance. Due to its large size, workers will scaffold round the Buddha with steel tubes and wires to avoid damage.

The renovation work will last 40 days, and due to inconvenience during revamping, it will be temporarily closed to visitors and will not be reopened until May 1.

(People’s Daily 03/27/2001)