Photo taken on July 4, 2013 shows the mural painting in Gongkar Chode Monastery, Lhoka Prefecture of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.[Photo/Xinhua]

Tibet has put hefty investment in the maintenance project of Gongkar Chode Monastery in Lhoka Prefecture to better protect the largest and most complete murals of Khentse School, one of the four major Tibetan mural schools, according to Xinhua.

The maintenance project is on a larger scale after the Gongkar Chode Monastery was renovated in the 1980s. Started in March, the first phase of the project is expected to finish in November this year.

The monastery is a dominating monastery of the Sakya Sect in Tibetan Buddhism located in Gangtod Village of Gongkar County. Built in 1464, it is featured with murals of Khentse School with a history of over 500 years, and thus becomes a regional cultural relic site.

"Most murals of Khentse School are preserved in the monastery, including a rare mural painting of high artistic value, which describes the 'Six Paths of Reincarnation' in Tibetan Buddhism," said Kelzang, vice director of the management committee of the monastery.

"The mural restoration, also the most complicated phase, will start soon after the repair of ancient buildings," said Kelzang. "A large investment is scheduled to put in the project, including 8 million yuan for the first phase and 6 million yuan for the second phase."

As a renowned monastery, the Gongkar Chode Monastery receives a large number of Buddhists and tourists every year. The rare murals in the monastery will show the splendid Tibetan art to the public again after the maintenance project is finished in two or three years.

Photo taken on July 4, 2013 shows workers repairing the rooftop of the main hall in Gongkar Chode Monastery, Lhoka Prefecture of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.[Photo/Xinhua]