Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tibet

On Aug. 20, 2009, pupils from Lhasa perform Tibetan opera in Potala Palace Square. (Photo by Kelsang Dawa / Xinhua)

Cultural treasures such as the Shoton snow-covered plateau, Bangdian, Thangka, Mamba opera, and the pot village have entered city life from folk culture for 50 years. Since 2005, national and autonomous regions received an investment of nearly 130 million yuan for non-heritage protection in Tibet. Nearly 800 non-heritage projects has been found, rescued, and collected. Meanwhile, 30 teaching bases of intangible cultural heritage spots have been built.

Tibetan opera originates between the 8th and 15th century. It is an art that includes folk songs, dances, orating, acrobatics, and rituals. It was included a national intangible cultural tradition in 2006.