Many volunteers take part in the facelift project of the Potala Palace in Lhasa before every winter although it is a hard work.

At around 9 a.m., 200 workers start to brush the walls of the Potala Palace. 

Sixty-year-old Dorje said he would like to participate in the facelift project as long as his health condition allows.

"I enjoy this job and do not feel tired or boring at all," Dorje said, while taking steps upward in an easy manner.

But it is indeed hard, considering the numerous steps of the Potala Palace. Visitors with light baggage have to stop several times to rest before getting atop the Potala Palace, not to mention the workers carrying heavy dope buckets.

Still lots of people take part in actively. It is said that most of the workers are volunteers who have taken part in more than once.

Wangchen, who is in charge of transporting the dope, has joined the project for over 10 times, and finds happiness in the work.

To retain the luster of the Potala Palace after a year’s exposure to the sun and rain, Lhasa starts the facelift project at the turning period of autumn and winter every year.

Photo shows a worker of the facelift project.Though it is a hard work, many volunteers take part in the facelift project of the Potala Palace in Lhasa before every winter.[Photo/Chinatibetnews.com]

Photo shows a worker of the facelift project.Though it is a hard work, many volunteers take part in the facelift project of the Potala Palace in Lhasa before every winter.[Photo/Chinatibetnews.com]