Himalayan temple restorer scales new heights

By Yang Feiyue | China Daily | Updated: 2023-06-08 06:30
Share
Share - WeChat
The Jebum-gang Lha-khang temple in Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, has been transformed into a modern art center. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Xia Yujun still remembers the first time he laid eyes on the Jebum-gang Lha-khang temple in 2016.

"Pushing open the heavy door, one was greeted by a primitive and rustic atmosphere. The dimness inside the hall added a touch of mystery to the architecture itself," the man in his 30s recalls.

"It has a history of approximately 200 years and has murals from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)," he adds.

The ancient building's circular construction, ancient Tibetan pillars and verandas, and layers of weathered centuries-old murals were among the highlights that hit him between the eyes.

The temple is tucked away in a bustling business street and residential area, 3,650 meters above sea level, in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region. First built during the second half of the 19th century, it is the only mandalic building — a symbolic Buddhist symmetrical structure.

It was used as granary for decades, and it is now a popular place among visitors in pursuit of modern art, thanks to five years of efforts by Xia and his team.

The top two stories of the temple were derelict when Xia and his team started the restoration.

1 2 3 4 5 6 Next   >>|
Photo

Related Stories

Top
BACK TO THE TOP
English
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
License for publishing multimedia online 0108263

Registration Number: 130349
FOLLOW US