Lhasa, July 31 (IANS): A regulation for protecting the 1,300-year-old Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was adopted by the legislature of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The statute has clear articles on the planning, administration, research and protection of the structure to preserve its integrity and surroundings, Xinhua news agency reported.

It was passed at a session of the standing committee of the 10th Tibet People's Congress, the regional legislature.

The rule is of great importance to guarantee the safety of the historical building complex and better pass down the local culture, said Karma, deputy chairman of the standing committee of the regional legislature.

The Potala Palace is perched on craggy hills in the heart of Tibet's capital of Lhasa. It was first built by Tibetan King Songtsa Gambo in the seventh century and was expanded during the 17th century by the Dalai Lama.

It was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1994.

In July last year, the Potala Palace launched detailed registration of its nearly 100,000 removable heritage items.

The palace is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tibet. Last year, it hosted 830,000 tourists.