Chinese expertise helps restore damaged monument in Nepal(5)

Chinese and Nepalese experts discuss the restoration plan for the Basantapur Tower in December 2017. (Photo provided to China Daily)

He pointed out that each component was restored to its original place based on historical photos, information and local religious customs. And these tasks were carried out collaboratively by Chinese technical personnel and local craftsmen.

About 3,700 carved components had to be remade or supplemented for the project, accounting for about 15 percent of all components. "The utilization rate of old components was 85 percent, thus ensuring greater originality of the structure," Ci said.

Meanwhile, to ensure the accuracy of the restoration process, the design team from Hebei referred to the restoration principles and specific practices of Chinese wooden structures.

"The Chinese team integrated Chinese cultural heritage conservation concepts with the requirements of Nepalese cultural heritage protection, respecting Nepal's traditional architectural features and aesthetic concepts," Ci said.

Ci added that they had upheld the conservation principles of authenticity, integrity and safety, with the aim of expressing the beauty of Nepalese traditional craftsmanship to the fullest, and restoring the profound artistry of the Basantapur Tower.

The restoration for the main structure of the Basantapur Tower complex passed the mid-term acceptance organized by China's Ministry of Commerce in 2022 and earned appreciation from Nepal's Department of Archaeology, which praised the restoration project for preserving the authenticity and integrity of the complex.

In the following two years, the project's other aspects, including fire protection engineering, were conducted. In mid-August 2024, the overall project was completed and handed over to Nepal.

Now, the restored complex has been welcoming an increasing number of visitors with its fresh new appearance.