The Park of Norbug Linkha, the prestigious summer resort of Dalai Lamas in Tibet, will be closed temporarily for major repairs this year.

The Norbug Linkha project, one of the three major overhaul projects in the Tibet autonomous region, formerly commenced on June 26, 2002 with an investment of 67.44 million yuan (about 8.15 million US dollars), said Namgyai, an official in charge of the three overhaul projects.

As almost all scenic spots in Norbug Linkha will undergo repairs, park authority decided to close it for four months from March 15 to July 15, and reopen it before the arrival of the peak tourist season in July.

Norbug Lingkha, built in 1751 by the Seventh Dalai Lama, covers an area of 360,000 square meters, the largest palace garden in Tibet. All young Dalai Lamas in history resided in the palace to study Buddhism sutras till age 18. Upon assuming power, they moved into the Potala Palace, but returned to Norbu Lingkha to perform administrative and religious duties from March to October every year.

Norbug Linkha, meaning "the treasure garden" in the Tibetan language, combines vivid natural sceneries with unique, splendid cultural landscapes, has been listed as a world cultural heritage site as well as one of China's cultural relics under top state protection.

Also on the list for major overhauls are the Potala Palace, which is cited as the spectacular landmark in Lhasa, the regional capital, and the Sagya Lamasery, which has numerous rare, invaluable religious relics.

The entire overhaul projects are expected to cost 330 million yuan (about US$40 million) provided by the central government, including 67.44 million yuan (US$8.15 million) for the Norbug Linkha overhaul project.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2005)