Jinan, the capital of East China's Shandong province, has taken measures to repair and protect the ancient architectures in Huayang Palace, the largest ancient architecture complex in the city.

The new preservation project helps the city protect its largest cluster of ancient buildings, many of which have been severely damaged by natural causes and disrepair.

The builder, Jinan Urban Construction Group, started the project in October 2017 based on the principle that "the architecture shall be repaired to its original condition."

According to staff workers of the ancient architectural complex, the renovation project is part of the city's efforts to improve its environment, including the protection of historical sites, repair of cultural relics and upgrading of infrastructure facilities.

Jinan Urban Construction Group plans to dig more deeply into the culture of Huashan Mountain and help the complex apply for cultural heritage status under State protection.

The Huayang Palace is located on the south of Huashan Mountain in Jinan. According to historical records, it was built in 1228 by Chen Zhiyuan, a disciple of famed Taoist guru Qiu Chuji and dubbed "a giant Taoist Temple of Jinan".

With a floorage of 2,500 square meters, the Huayang Palace is famous for ancient buildings and trees, murals, and immortal figures, all located in an area of 18,000 sq m.

There are more than 60 trees older than 800 years and 320 sq m of well-preserved murals.

The architectural complex is home to 36 ancient buildings. Among them, the Huayang Palace, which consists of a group of Buddhist monasteries, is the largest and oldest.

The gate of Huayang Palace is pictured in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, Sept 14. [Photo/Jinan Daily]