The 1,300-year-old Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region. [File photo: xinhua]

A large-scale renovation project will soon begin at the 1,300-year-old Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, according to an official.

Approved by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the project will focus on repairing the palace's gold-plated roof and improving its security surveillance system, said Jorden from the palace's administration body.

Parts of the gold plating have been damaged by long-term exposure to wind, sun and rain, Jorden said, adding the renovation will prolong the life of the roof.

The project will cost more than 10 million yuan (1.5 million U.S. dollars).

The Potala Palace was originally built in the 7th century, and later rebuilt and extended during the 17th century. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Last year, 1.37 million domestic and international tourists visited the palace.

Over the past two decades, the central government has spent nearly three billion yuan protecting cultural heritage in Tibet.