The Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa, capital city of China’s Tibet autonomous region, is arguably the most important temple for Tibetan Buddhists. The temple is notably famous for its long, intricate murals. Over the past couple of years, painstaking efforts have been made to keep them in the best possible condition.

Built more than a thousand years ago, Jokhang Monastery is regarded as one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, drawing hoards of worshippers and tourists every day. And the temple’s weathered murals are an important reminder of its history.

The Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa, capital city of China’s Tibet autonomous region, is arguably the most important temple for Tibetan Buddhists.[Photo/Xinhua]

A renovation project to renovate the murals was initiated in June of 2012. Since then, nearly two thirds of the temple’s murals have been repaired.

“The renovation work has been carried out carefully. We are using the same materials to repair the damaged parts. Some new technologies have been applied during the process. So far the renovation project has been a success,” said Gao Feng, archaeologist.

Jokhang Monastery is the earliest wooden architecture in Tibet. It was among the first National Relic Sites announced in 1961, and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

The temple boasts nearly 4,000 square meters of murals. The themes depicted include Buddha, the creators of Tibetan Buddhism, the ancient rulers of the region, and how Lhasa was built.