THE 76 HOUSES:

The Old Tibetan Post Office: set up by the 13th Dalai Lama, the old Post Office was converted into housing after 1959. Parts of the house had to be evacuated after beetle attack. THF is preparing an emergency-stabilizing plan.

The 13th Dalai Lama

He founded the first Tibetan Post Office, which offered mail delivery and telegram services

Facade - South elevation

West-East section

Level 1

Level 2

From The 1999 Annual Report:

The old Post Office, south elevation drawing by Jian-Jun and Huang Xiao Lin/THF

The Post Office in the 1940s, photo: Hugh Richardson

The Old Post Office: established in the 1920s, the former Lhasa GPO (General Post Office) today houses several families, despite a collapse of the eastern wing some time ago. Half a century ago, arriving mail for Lhasa was distributed from here, and outward going letters and telegrammes were accepted. During a routine visit, THF discovered that wood-eating beetles had severely weakened the wooden ceiling between the ground and the upper floor to the point of impending collapse. Since the upper floor was inhabited, THF requested the Tengyeling Neighbourhood Committee Office to evacuate the building. After survey and planning work from THF, the work will be carried out in cooperation with Lhasa Cultural Relics Office. The Lhasa Number One Construction Company, which did the government restoration of Mindrochang House, has begun work on the Post Office under direct supervision by THF. US$14,448 have been spent so far.