It's more beautiful than ever before: The Taj Mahal, built 369 years ago, undergoes its first-ever “whitening”

Listed as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World,” India’s Taj Mahal attracts tens of millions of tourists every year and is widely regarded as the country’s most must-see attraction. After more than 300 years since its completion, this iconic Indian landmark has recently regained its snow-white appearance following two years of “whitening” work.

Having endured 369 years of weathering, the exterior of the Taj Mahal had accumulated a thick layer of dust. In 2015, the Indian government began mobilizing efforts to carry out the “whitening” operation — the first thorough cleaning since its completion.

Recently, the first phase of the project was finally completed, gradually revealing the previously dust-covered Quranic inscriptions and sculptures, restoring this world heritage site to its former glory and delighting visitors who took joyful photos on-site. Additionally, the cleaning of the dome will begin next year and is expected to be completed in 2019.