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Yang Lina @ 2009-05-10 16:30
This ancient architectural complex in Lhasa is considered as a symbol of Tibetan architecture. However, archeologists discovered another "two Potala Palaces", as the Potala Palace maintaince progressing smoothly. There may be more.
The Potala Palace in Lhasa
With a history of 1,300 years, the Potala Palace covers an area of 360,000 sq m, being 360 m long and 270 m wide. The 13-story main building, 117 m high, is a grand architecture integrating the styles of the palace, castle and monastery at the highest altitude above sea level. In 1994, the Potala Palace was designated by UNESCO as one of the World Cultural Heritage sites. China's Central Government has launched two large-scale renovation projects for the palace.
The Potala Palace in Sangzhutse Fortress
The Sangzhutse Fortress, built in 1363, is one of the earliest architectures in Xigaze Prefecture of Tibet. However, only dilapidated walls were left due to the passage of the time and artificial damages. At the end of 2004, a renovation project was launched for the fortress. After rebuilding, the fortress, also known as the "small Potala Palace", became a cultural exhibition center in Rear Tibet.
The Potala Palace in Sog County
Located on a hill in southern Sog County, the Tsenden Monastery is a famous one of the Gelug Sect of the Tibet Buddhism. It was built in 1667 and rebuilt in 1985. The architectural style of the monastery, composed of a white palace and a red one, is very similar to that of the Potala Palace.