Plans are being drawn up to renovate the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important in Tibet. The renovation follows large investments for the repair of the Potala Palace, Sakya Monastery and Norbu Lingka, three other ancient buildings in the region.

The Tashilunpo Monastery was constructed in 1447 by Gendun Drubpa, the first Dalai Lama. The monastery later saw large-scale expansions and now covers an area of 300 thousand square meters. In addition to a 27-meter statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the monastery is also famed for its Grand Hall, with its opulent tomb of the fourth Panchen Lama. The murals and other religious and artistic treasures have long been a popular destination with tourists.

(CCTV.com February 9, 2004)