13 scenic spots in phase I of the Potala Palace Snow City (Xuecheng) maintenance and protection project have been laid out and will be open to public on May 31.

The maintenance on Snow City is one of the key projects of Potala Palace phase II protection construction. The government has put 76 million yuan (about 10 million USD) on the project and 6 million yuan ( 784,617 USD) has been invested in phase I for moving local citizens, maintaining 22 ancient buildings, collecting, purchasing, copying and borrowing about 1,890 materials, collecting over 500 photos and writing background and explanation on history.

The phase I has made exhibition points in 12 ancient buildings plus one tourism service center. There are also four dynamic performance points to enhance interaction with tourists and make them better know Tibet's history and culture.

The temporary ticket price will be 30 yuan and sale point will be set at the south entrance of Potala Palace.

The Snow City phase II protection project will be completed in 2008 and three ancient buildings including the Treasure Hall, West Sutra-Printing House and Relic of Granary will be open at the same time.