Tibetan pilgrims practice religious activities in front of the Jokhang Temple on the Barkor Street in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet autonomous region. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

Thanks to the government's policy on freedom of religious belief, which has been particularly involved since the nation's reform and opening-up, substantial funds have been allocated to the restoration of the ancient Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, a local monk official reported on Tuesday.

Built in the seventh century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo of the Tubo Kingdom, the Jokhang Temple is one of the most splendid existing Tibetan places of worship from the Tubo kingdom era. It integrates the architectural elements from Tibetan, Tang Dynasty (618-907), Nepalese, and Indian styles.

Tibetan pilgrims practice religious activities in front of the Jokhang Temple on the Barkor Street in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet autonomous region. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

"With a history of more than 1,300 years and possessing a predominantly civil structure, the temple has undergone numerous restorations," said Lhakpa, a monk official of the temple. He also noted that the government has spent nearly 100 million yuan ($13 million) over the past decades on the temple's restorations.

Restoration work has involved renovating the ancient buildings and frescos, as well as ensuring electrical safety and putting fire prevention measures in place. "Our main objective has been preserving the original facades of the buildings as far as possible," added Lhakpa.

He emphasized that while the temple does receive and accommodate tourists, it primarily exists to serve pilgrims. "From 8 am to 2 pm, the temple mainly functions to receive and serve pilgrims from across the globe," he said. "During this period, tourists are admitted, but the needs of the pilgrims are always prioritized."