HA NOI (VNS)  — The 1,000-year-old Tram Gian Pagoda in Ha Noi's outlying Chuong My District has been restored to its near-original state, said local authorities.

In late 2012, much of the pagoda was dismantled by the pagoda managers for renovation but without permission from relevant authorities. The shock of the actions urged the city's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to call for an immediate cease of the activities in order to properly address the damage.

The two-year renovation project focused efforts on the pagoda's most prominent features like a shrine for the abbots, and a building housing a musical stone and drum.

The renovations adhered with national regulations covering relic repair.

During the process, the culture department organised various seminars to gather scientists, local authorities, pagoda managers, designers and contractors in order to guide and advise the project.

The project cost more than VND14.6 billion (US$695,000) and was implemented by the Institute of Relics Conservation. — VNS