Plans are underway to set up a lead group office that will
coordinate the protection of
Tibet's top-priority cultural relics and
sites, which until now has been conducted on a more ad-hoc basis.
According to statistics, there are more than 2,000 immovable
cultural relics, including 35 under state protection, 48 under
protection at the Autonomous Region level, and 168 under county-
and city-level protection. In addition, Tibet's museums house more
than 100,000 other treasures.
Shan Jixiang, a member of the 10th National Committee of the
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the director of the State
Administration of Cultural Heritage, said the government has to
date invested more than 700 million yuan (about US$90 million) in
the protection of Tibetan cultural relics over the past four
decades.
In 2006 alone, a total of 300 million yuan (about US$39 million)
was pumped into restoration works at Potala Palace and the
monasteries of Norbu Lingka and Sagya.
According to Shan, other relics and sites that are considered
high priorities for protection include Samye, Kegya, Sekhargutok,
Drepung and Tashilhunpo monasteries; Jokhang Temple, Ramoche,
Changzhub and Xalhu monasteries?-- which are considered
important "witnesses" to the communication between Tibetans and the
Han Chinese centuries ago; the Gyangze Zongshan Anti-British Battle
site and Nenying Monastery?-- they are a testament to Tibet's
fight against foreign invaders; and the Tombs of the Tibetan Kings,
Guge Kingdom ruins and Lagarie Residence Palace.
However, relic protection has become more of a challenge these
days, particularly with the increased influx of tourists, due
largely to the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway last year.
Shan highlighted that the priority now is to set up a proper
system of organization and protection, as well as special funds.
"We plan to found a lead group office for the project. The office
will take charge of execution details and the budget."
(China.org.cn by Chen Lin, March 7, 2007)
