A project to renovate the sacrificial hall of the Mausoleum of Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) kicked off in Xi'an Friday, marking the start of the second-phase of the mausoleum's restoration.

The project, with an investment of 80 million yuan (US$9.63 million), is a principal part of the second-phase restoration. So far, governments at various levels have spent 200 million yuan on the work.

Meanwhile, another project has been launched to protect an ancient forest nearby which is home to over 80,000 cypresses some of which are over 1,000 years old.

Cheng Andong, governor of Shaanxi Province, said that the restoration is a way to protect and develop the nation's culture.

The Huangdi is regarded as the legendary founder of the Chinese nation and culture. Restoration of his mausoleum was launched in 1992, and a foundation was set up to raise money for the work in the same year.

So far, donations from home and abroad have topped 70 million yuan.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2002)