As winter approached, 49-year-old Tashi led his colleagues in painting the wooden frames of the Potala Palace in Lhasa after finishing the annual external wall maintenance project. Part of the palace’s conservation team since 1993, Tashi is one of those responsible for preserving this world heritage site.
Built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo and expanded in the 17th century, the Potala Palace is a traditional structure of earth, stone and wood with more than 1,200 rooms. Since being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994, the maintenance team has grown from 12 to more than 60 members, including carpenters, bricklayers and painters.
Artisans carry out regular inspections and apply restoration techniques that minimize interventions, ensuring the authenticity of the site. Recent discoveries, such as new underground areas, have helped with the structural understanding of the palace and boosted restoration projects. According to the Chinese government, more than 800 million yuan was invested in repairs, monitoring and preservation of the heritage site.
“This palace is a legacy left by our ancestors. Our job is to ensure its preservation for future generations,” said Donden Tsering, a carpenter with 40 years of experience. The dedication of the maintenance team reflects a commitment to keeping history alive and accessible.
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/manutencao-do-palacio-potala-preserva-patrimonio-historico-no-tibete/
