The ongoing renovation of Potala Palace has entered its critical stage in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Work on the Palace began in June 2002. 
 
China has allocated 170 million yuan or some US$20 million to complete the second renovation of the Potala Palace.

The renovation work is being carried out on important parts of Potala Palace, including the Lingta Palaces of the eighth and ninth Dalai Lama.

Built in the middle of the seventh century, during the Tang Dynasty, the Potala Palace is one of the largest and best-kept palaces in Tibet.

The main building consists of 13 floors and is 117 meters high and 360 meters wide. It was added to the World Heritage List in 1994.

(CRI.com May 31, 2004)