Conservation project incorporates renovation in Lhasa

A major renovation and conservation project has just been completed in the old city areas of Lhasa, capital of Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. It covers four aspects: protection of historical and cultural relics, repair of traditional architectures, construction of new buildings, and energy-saving doors and windows. Our reporter Han Bin finds out what these changes have brought to the once bustling religious, cultural and commercial center.

Lhasa's old city area, a holy place in Tibetan Buddhism.

For over a thousand years, Tibetans have lived here, around the Johkang Monastery. A new round of government-initiated conservation projects has just been completed.

67-year-old Qie Mei has lived here since she was born. She remembers that Barkhor Street was originally a dirt road with old houses. Back then, there were only a few peddlers.

"The new renovation has not affected our religious activities. It makes our lives much easier in the old city area."said Qie Mei, a Lhasa native.

The city government launched the project last December. One-and-a-half billion yuan has gone into improving the area's basic infrastructure and appearance. And traditional Tibetan architectural styles have been preserved.

"All of the electrical wires are put underground, and the drains were cleared out. The relics are kept away from the hidden dangers of water and fire."said Song Chao, chief coordinator of engineering headquaters.

The Tibetan-style street lamps are one of the few new touches.

Ever since the 1980s, several renovations have taken place in the old city area. And the last one has brought the biggest changes. For example, the central Barkhor Street used to be a maze of narrow alleys with irregular electrical wiring overhead. It was bustling with businesses. Today, it has a completely new look-- all of the vendors have been relocated nearby -- leaving more spacious walkways for pilgrims and visitors.

Ci Dha is the deputy chief of the conservation project. He says the project will make Barkhor a high-end tourist destination, while downplaying its commercial function. But most important for the centuries-old pilgrim's route is authenticity.

We have made the efforts to conserve the original appearance of the old buildings in the reconstruction. Unnecessary repairs and moves have been avoided."said Ci Dha, deputy chief of Lhasa conservation project.

Qie Mei says she is grateful for the upgrade of facilities and conditions in her hometown. And as for the true impact of these changes on Lhasa's old city area, perhaps only time can tell.