On chinadaily.com.cn

Culture: Famed palace murals to be restored

Restoration of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) murals in Yongle Gong temple, the largest Taoist temple in China, will begin next year, according to Shanxi province's Yongle Gonge Mural Preservation Research Institute. The temple is also known as the Palace of Eternal Joy. Located in Ruicheng county, the murals to be preserved cover more than 1,000 square meters. Workers have completed digital imaging of the murals and have monitored and analyzed the surrounding temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels - information needed before restoration work can begin, said Xi Jiulong, head of the institute. Construction of the temple started in 1247 to worship Lu Dongbin (born AD 798), who is one of the "Eight Immortals" from folk tales. The original construction, including creation of the strikingly beautiful murals, took 110 years.

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