A Chinese worker measures at Cambodia's ancient temple Ta Keo. (Photos: Xinhua)

After five years devoting himself to helping restore  Cambodia's ancient temple Ta Keo in the Angkor Archaeological Park, Chinese archaeologist Jin Zhaoyu finds it hard to walk away.

The restoration work on Ta Keo, which started in 2010, is expected to be completed by the end of August, Jin said, with new restoration work on the Royal Palace in Angkor to start later this year.

"The eight-year restoration of Ta Keo will be completed by the end of August,” Jin said. “We will hand it over to Cambodia this year." 

Jin Zhaoyu (middle), an engineer from the Chinese restoration team, discusses with his teammates. 

Jin is not the only Chinese helping restore Cambodia’s ancient temples, as China has been involved in restoring buildings at the Angkor Archaeological Park since the 1990s.

Chinese workers have participated in the restoration work of the Chau Say Tevoda temple, which was completed in 2008, and Ta Keo. 

Workers at Cambodia's ancient temple Ta Keo

“We’re very grateful to China for helping Cambodia restore our national heritage. I think the Chinese show great expertise in restoring cultural relics,” said Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts. “The cooperation boosts our cultural communications.”

China signed an agreement with Cambodia in January 2018 to help the country restore the Ancient Royal Palace in Angkor Archaeological Park later this year.

It means Cambodia will hand over the palace site, deemed the most important part of the archaeological park, to the Chinese restoration team.

“The project will last 11 years, a new beginning for us,” Jin said.