The Shideling Temple in the heart of Lhasa have long displayed a desolate scene. Now, this thousand-year-old ancient temple will welcome its first “major facelift”.

Recently,  the Cultural Relics Bureau of the Tibet Autonomous Region saidthat the central government plans to provide 15 million yuan in special subsidies from the national cultural relic protection fund for restorations to the ancient Shideling Temple. The project will begin soon, and after it is completed, Shideling will become a museum open to the public.

Shideling Temple, built in the 9th century, was once the Lhasa residence of the Reting Rinpoche. The fifth Reting Rinpoche served as the regent after the death of the 13th Dalai Lama, but was persecuted to death after a political struggle. Shideling Temple was not spared, and it fell into ruins.

Truzhen, the deputy director of the Tibet Autonomous Region Cultural Relics Bureau, said that these restorations will reference historical photos from the mid-20th century to maintain the original shape, layout, style, and artistic elements of the temple. Buildings and walls that have been seriously damaged and pose a danger to construction safety will be torn down and rebuilt. Grout and other methods will be used to repair and reinforce cracked walls. Existing rare murals on the walls will be repaired by specially-qualified professionals.

According to reports, the Shideling restoration project is being undertaken by the Tibet Xuanyuan Cultural Relic Ancient Building and Protection Engineering Company, Ltd. During the project, whole project will comply with the “do not change the original appearance of the cultural relic” principle, in strict accordance with traditional construction methods, adhering to traditional construction materials, and using multiple methods to ensure the ancient temple will reappear as it did in olden times.