Arts and Culture

Epic of King Gesar
In Tibetan literature, the Epic of King Gesar represents the highest achievement. It is the longest epic in the world, the length even exceeding the total of the five most famous epics in the world, that is, Babylonian Gilgamesh, Greek Odyssey and Iliad, Indian Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Ancient Tea-Horse Road
It is considered to be the most extensive and complicated commercial road in Asia, and the most adventurous and spectacular road in the world.

Dance
As with many other minority ethnic groups in China, the Tibetan people are very adept at singing and dancing. With the snow covered land, high mountains and holy lakes as their settings, the songs and dances seem all the more sacred, reverberant and fantastic.

Ancient Tangbo Road
The Ancient Tangbo Road is one of the three famous ancient civilized roads in Chinese history. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it had been the only way to Qinghai, Tibet, Nepal, India and other foreign countries from the hinterland of China.

Opera
Tibetan Opera, which is called Lhamo or Ace Lhamo, is the traditional opera of Tibet. It is the earliest form of opera among minorities in China.

Music
Due to its long history, rich content, unique style and strong inspiration, the Tibetan music has become a gem of Chinese folk music and has drawn the interest of many music lovers.

Architectures
Tibetan Architecture, while keeping its unique characteristics, incorporates aspects from Chinese Han architecture as well as that of neighboring India and Nepal. This has created a style of art rich in scientific and aesthetic value.

Sculptures
Tibetan sculpture has developed as a perfect art form that is mainly associated with the prevailing Buddhism. Like other art forms, they are also the result of the integration of Tibetan cultures and the influences of Chinese Han Nationality as well as foreign countries.

Paintings
Paintings are one of the main excellent art forms in Tibet. The Tibetan paintings have not only kept its own traditional artistic characteristics, but also absorbed something excellent from Chinese Han nationality, India and Nepal.

Rock Paintings
Rock paintings are one of the earliest forms of paintings in Tibet and an important part of Chinese rock paintings.

Murals
In Tibet, elaborately painted murals abound, lining the walls of palaces, homes, and temples alike. With the insight these murals give into the region's religious and historical culture, they are as educational as they are beautiful, and they provide a perfect gateway for exploring the region's artistic and social traditions.

Thangka
Thangkas show themselves in upright rectangular form with a few in horizontal oblong banners, and are used for conveying religious doctrines and for decorating monasteries etc.

Medicine
Tibetan medicine has been veiled in mystery for a long time, but has recently gained worldwide popularity and acknowledgment.

Incense
Incense is often used by Tibetans for worship and to expel evil influences in the religious ceremonies. Based on Tibetan pharmacology, the incense is good for the environment and one's health.

Costume
Like other aspects of its culture, Tibetan costume culture is unique, original, refreshing and rich. 

Carpet
Famous for its distinctive designs reflecting their daily life and religion, the Tibetan carpet has a history of over 600 years. It is a kind of traditional Tibetan handicraft and its home is Gyangtse County, which lies to the southwest of Lhasa City.

Handicrafts
The handicraft industry of Tibet has a long history. The Tibetan handicrafts are not only highly practical, but they also have great aesthetic value. The textiles, paintings and sculptures represent the highest achievements of Tibetan handicrafts.

Knife
The knife is often worn at the waist, used for self-defence, hunting, cutting and also just for decoration.