Tibet
Tibet is a word that referred real Shangri-La, the forbidden land and the holy land of your innermost desire. When people refer Tibet, they will describe this land as the roof of the world. Due to the high altitude, Tibet is a land of snows as well as a mysterious place to explore. Snow mountains and grasslands, scattered herds of yak and nomads on the plateau, spectacular monasteries and unsophisticated smiles, tranquil lake and transparent blue sky, all can be seen on this magic land. Tibet is a province of natural wonder, a treasury of cultural relics and a destination of attractive adventure. For centuries this mysterious Buddhist kingdom, locked away in its mountain fastness of the Himalaya, has exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West. For explorers, imperialists and traders it was a forbidden land of treasure and riches. Dreamers on a spiritual quest have long whispered of a lost Shangri-la, steeped in magic and mystery. When the doors were finally flung open in the mid-1980s, Tibet lay in ruins. Between 1950 and 1970, the Chinese wrested control of the plateau, drove the Tibetans’ spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and some 100, 000 of Tibet’s finest into exile and systematically dismantled most of the Tibetan cultural and historical heritage, all in the name of revolution. For a while images of the Buddha were replaced by icons of Chairman Mao. Today, Tibetan pilgrims across the country are once again mumbling mantras and swinging their prayer wheels in temples that are heavy with the thick intoxicating aroma of juniper incense and yak butter. Monasteries have been restored across the country, along with limited religious freedoms. A walk around Lassa’s lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit is proof enough that the efforts of the communist Chinese to build a brave new (roof of the) world have foundered on the remarkable and inspiring faith of the Tibetan people. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Tibet is a word that referred real Shangri-La, the forbidden land and the holy land of your innermost desire. When people refer Tibet, they will describe this land as the roof of the world. Due to the high altitude, Tibet is a land of snows as well as a mysterious place to explore. Snow mountains and grasslands, scattered herds of yak and nomads on the plateau, spectacular monasteries and unsophisticated smiles, tranquil lake and transparent blue sky, all can be seen on this magic land. Tibet is a province of natural wonder, a treasury of cultural relics and a destination of attractive adventure. For centuries this mysterious Buddhist kingdom, locked away in its mountain fastness of the Himalaya, has exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West. For explorers, imperialists and traders it was a forbidden land of treasure and riches. Dreamers on a spiritual quest have long whispered of a lost Shangri-la, steeped in magic and mystery. When the doors were finally flung open in the mid-1980s, Tibet lay in ruins. Between 1950 and 1970, the Chinese wrested control of the plateau, drove the Tibetans’ spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and some 100, 000 of Tibet’s finest into exile and systematically dismantled most of the Tibetan cultural and historical heritage, all in the name of revolution. For a while images of the Buddha were replaced by icons of Chairman Mao. Today, Tibetan pilgrims across the country are once again mumbling mantras and swinging their prayer wheels in temples that are heavy with the thick intoxicating aroma of juniper incense and yak butter. Monasteries have been restored across the country, along with limited religious freedoms. A walk around Lassa’s lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit is proof enough that the efforts of the communist Chinese to build a brave new (roof of the) world have foundered on the remarkable and inspiring faith of the Tibetan people. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Lhasa
whose name means 'the Land of Gods' in Tibetan, is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. Due to its sufficient sunshine annually, it is also famed as 'the Sunshine City'. It is the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities. Lhasa is an ancient city with its time-honored 1,300 years' history. It was called 'Luosha' or 'Luoxie' which mean 'dert-delivering-by-sheep' in the ancient times. There is a story for the name. It is said that Lhasa once was an area of low-lying marsh. In order to fill in the earth, Princess Wencheng from Tang Court used sheep to deliver dirt after her arrived at the place. Lhasa became the city's name in 9 century. As the political, economic, cultural and religious developments of Turpan Region, Potala Palace, Jakhang Monastery and so on were built one by one, which formed Lhasa's old downtown.
Potala Palace
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Enclosed within massive walls, gates and turrets built of rammed earth and stone the White and Red Palaces and ancillary buildings of the Potala Palace rise from Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley at an altitude of 3,700 metres. As the winter palace of the Dalai Lama from the 7th century CE the complex symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The White Palace contains the main ceremonial hall with the throne of the Dalai Lama, and his private rooms and audience hall are on the uppermost level. The palace contains 698 murals, almost 10,000 painted scrolls, numerous sculptures, carpets, canopies, curtains, porcelain, jade, and fine objects of gold and silver, as well as a large collection of sutras and important historical documents. To the west and higher up the mountain the Red Palace contains the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas. Further west is the private monastery of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyel Dratshang. source: http://whc.unesco.org
whose name means 'the Land of Gods' in Tibetan, is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. Due to its sufficient sunshine annually, it is also famed as 'the Sunshine City'. It is the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities. Lhasa is an ancient city with its time-honored 1,300 years' history. It was called 'Luosha' or 'Luoxie' which mean 'dert-delivering-by-sheep' in the ancient times. There is a story for the name. It is said that Lhasa once was an area of low-lying marsh. In order to fill in the earth, Princess Wencheng from Tang Court used sheep to deliver dirt after her arrived at the place. Lhasa became the city's name in 9 century. As the political, economic, cultural and religious developments of Turpan Region, Potala Palace, Jakhang Monastery and so on were built one by one, which formed Lhasa's old downtown.
Potala Palace
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Enclosed within massive walls, gates and turrets built of rammed earth and stone the White and Red Palaces and ancillary buildings of the Potala Palace rise from Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley at an altitude of 3,700 metres. As the winter palace of the Dalai Lama from the 7th century CE the complex symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The White Palace contains the main ceremonial hall with the throne of the Dalai Lama, and his private rooms and audience hall are on the uppermost level. The palace contains 698 murals, almost 10,000 painted scrolls, numerous sculptures, carpets, canopies, curtains, porcelain, jade, and fine objects of gold and silver, as well as a large collection of sutras and important historical documents. To the west and higher up the mountain the Red Palace contains the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas. Further west is the private monastery of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyel Dratshang. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Jokhang Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Jokhang Temple Monastery was founded by the regime also in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Covering 2.5ha in the centre of the old town of Lhasa, it comprises an entrance porch, courtyard and Buddhist hall surrounded by accommodation for monks and storehouses on all four sides. The buildings are constructed of wood and stone and are outstanding examples of the Tibetan Buddhist style, with influences from China, India, and Nepal. They house over 3,000 images of Buddha and other deities and historical figures along with many other treasures and manuscripts. Mural paintings depicting religious and historical scenes cover the walls. source: http://whc.unesco.org
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Jokhang Temple Monastery was founded by the regime also in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Covering 2.5ha in the centre of the old town of Lhasa, it comprises an entrance porch, courtyard and Buddhist hall surrounded by accommodation for monks and storehouses on all four sides. The buildings are constructed of wood and stone and are outstanding examples of the Tibetan Buddhist style, with influences from China, India, and Nepal. They house over 3,000 images of Buddha and other deities and historical figures along with many other treasures and manuscripts. Mural paintings depicting religious and historical scenes cover the walls. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Norbulingka
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace constructed in the 18th century, is located on the bank of the Lhasa River about 2km west of the Potala Palace in a lush green environment. It comprises a large garden with four palace complexes and a monastery as well as other halls, and pavilions all integrated into the garden layout to create an exceptional work of art covering 36ha. The property is closely linked with religious and political issues, having been a place for contemplation and for signing political agreements. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Norbulingka means Jewel Garden. First built in 1751, it borrowed architectural style from the inland areas of China while maintaining local ethnic and religious features. Norbulingka served as a traditional summer palace and residence starting with the 7th Dalai Lama, and now it is the largest garden in Tibet. The earliest building is the Gesang Pozhang Palace built by Kelzang Gyatso. The 'New Palace' was begun in 1954 by the present Dalai Lama and completed in 1956. It contains chapels, gardens, fountains and pools. To the west the Kalsang Potang built by Seventh Dalai Lama is 'a beautiful example of Yellow Hat architecture. Its fully restored throne room is also of interest.' The garden is a favorite picnic spot and provides a beautiful venue for theatre, dancing and festivals, particularly the Sho Dun or 'Yoghurt Festival', at the beginning of August, with families camping in the grounds for days surrounded by colourful makeshift windbreaks of rugs and scarves and enjoying the height of summer weather. There is also a zoo at Norbulingka, originally to keep the animals which were given to the Dalai Lama. Heinrich Harrer helped the 14th Dalai Lama build a small movie theatre there in the 1950s. source: www.topchinatravel.com
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace constructed in the 18th century, is located on the bank of the Lhasa River about 2km west of the Potala Palace in a lush green environment. It comprises a large garden with four palace complexes and a monastery as well as other halls, and pavilions all integrated into the garden layout to create an exceptional work of art covering 36ha. The property is closely linked with religious and political issues, having been a place for contemplation and for signing political agreements. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Norbulingka means Jewel Garden. First built in 1751, it borrowed architectural style from the inland areas of China while maintaining local ethnic and religious features. Norbulingka served as a traditional summer palace and residence starting with the 7th Dalai Lama, and now it is the largest garden in Tibet. The earliest building is the Gesang Pozhang Palace built by Kelzang Gyatso. The 'New Palace' was begun in 1954 by the present Dalai Lama and completed in 1956. It contains chapels, gardens, fountains and pools. To the west the Kalsang Potang built by Seventh Dalai Lama is 'a beautiful example of Yellow Hat architecture. Its fully restored throne room is also of interest.' The garden is a favorite picnic spot and provides a beautiful venue for theatre, dancing and festivals, particularly the Sho Dun or 'Yoghurt Festival', at the beginning of August, with families camping in the grounds for days surrounded by colourful makeshift windbreaks of rugs and scarves and enjoying the height of summer weather. There is also a zoo at Norbulingka, originally to keep the animals which were given to the Dalai Lama. Heinrich Harrer helped the 14th Dalai Lama build a small movie theatre there in the 1950s. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Sera Monastery
is the last of the three principal Yellow Sect monasteries built in Lhasa. The setting itself is very beautiful with cobbled alleyways, temples and colleges. The highlight of visiting Sera Monastery will be watching monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills. Founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. The original Sera Monastery was in Lhasa, about 5 km north of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Sera Monastery once housed more than 5,000 monks in 1959. Although badly damaged, it is still standing and has been largely repaired. It now houses a few hundred Buddhist monks. The highlight of visiting in Sera Monastery will be watching a monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills. It is a highly entertaining spectacle, during which they strike poses not dissimilar to hip hop rappers. They are clap, turn, and finger point, whoop, holler, and throw their prayer beads about. In most cases, one monk sits on the floor, while another one stands, and between them, they argue about Buddhist rituals - immensely enjoying their debates. As tourists you are allowed to walk around the edge and observe the very dynamic and animated monks asking and answering questions like ‘why', ‘what came first the chicken or the egg' and ‘who is your favorite Buddha'. The spectacle is just so fun-filled and high energy. It's a bit like a Sicilian market place, or a football match, increasing in volume all the time, and some of the monks are really good showmen, sometimes mischievously involving you in their debates, as if trying to get you onto their side. source: www.topchinatravel.com
is the last of the three principal Yellow Sect monasteries built in Lhasa. The setting itself is very beautiful with cobbled alleyways, temples and colleges. The highlight of visiting Sera Monastery will be watching monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills. Founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. The original Sera Monastery was in Lhasa, about 5 km north of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Sera Monastery once housed more than 5,000 monks in 1959. Although badly damaged, it is still standing and has been largely repaired. It now houses a few hundred Buddhist monks. The highlight of visiting in Sera Monastery will be watching a monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills. It is a highly entertaining spectacle, during which they strike poses not dissimilar to hip hop rappers. They are clap, turn, and finger point, whoop, holler, and throw their prayer beads about. In most cases, one monk sits on the floor, while another one stands, and between them, they argue about Buddhist rituals - immensely enjoying their debates. As tourists you are allowed to walk around the edge and observe the very dynamic and animated monks asking and answering questions like ‘why', ‘what came first the chicken or the egg' and ‘who is your favorite Buddha'. The spectacle is just so fun-filled and high energy. It's a bit like a Sicilian market place, or a football match, increasing in volume all the time, and some of the monks are really good showmen, sometimes mischievously involving you in their debates, as if trying to get you onto their side. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Barkhor Street
Barkhor, a circular street at the center of Lhasa, is the oldest street in a very traditional city of Tibet. It is a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble and a place to which a visit must be paid. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day into deep night. Most of Lhasa's floating population is comprised of these pilgrims. The pilgrim walk outside four columns on which colorful scripture streamers are hung, a custom began in the Tubo period as a way to show respect. Barkhor Street is a famous commercial and commodity-distributing center in Lhasa, consisting of more than 120 handicrafts shops and more than 200 stalls. It is a good choice that should never be missed by tourists coming to Lhasa, for you can buy anything Tibet-related, from sacks of incense, chunks of yak butter to monk outfits. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. When walking along Barkhor Street, you should move in the clockwise direction. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Barkhor, a circular street at the center of Lhasa, is the oldest street in a very traditional city of Tibet. It is a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble and a place to which a visit must be paid. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day into deep night. Most of Lhasa's floating population is comprised of these pilgrims. The pilgrim walk outside four columns on which colorful scripture streamers are hung, a custom began in the Tubo period as a way to show respect. Barkhor Street is a famous commercial and commodity-distributing center in Lhasa, consisting of more than 120 handicrafts shops and more than 200 stalls. It is a good choice that should never be missed by tourists coming to Lhasa, for you can buy anything Tibet-related, from sacks of incense, chunks of yak butter to monk outfits. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. When walking along Barkhor Street, you should move in the clockwise direction. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Shigatse
used to be called Tsang by Tibetan, is an ancient region at the altitude of 3,830m above the sea level. As the second largest city of Tibet, Shigatse is most famous as the seat of the Panchen Lama, who has been regarded by Tibetans (except those in Lhasa) to be on equal footing with the Dalai Lama. Shigatse connects with three countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim in the south, Ngari in the west, Nagqu in the north and Lhasa and Shannan in the east. It occupies an area of 176,000 square kilometers. It is 800 kilometers from east to west and 220 kilometers from north to south, with a border of 1,354 kilometers. Strategically located at the alluvial plain at the confluence of YalongTsangpo and Nyangchu Rivers, Shigatse was once the political, religious and cultural center of 'Rear Tibet'. As time went on, the town lags far behind Lhasa in terms of economy and population. 98% of the population is Tibetan in the area. Due to its relative inaccessibility, traditional way of life of the local people still remained very well. source: www.topchinatravel.com
...on the way to Shigatse...
used to be called Tsang by Tibetan, is an ancient region at the altitude of 3,830m above the sea level. As the second largest city of Tibet, Shigatse is most famous as the seat of the Panchen Lama, who has been regarded by Tibetans (except those in Lhasa) to be on equal footing with the Dalai Lama. Shigatse connects with three countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim in the south, Ngari in the west, Nagqu in the north and Lhasa and Shannan in the east. It occupies an area of 176,000 square kilometers. It is 800 kilometers from east to west and 220 kilometers from north to south, with a border of 1,354 kilometers. Strategically located at the alluvial plain at the confluence of YalongTsangpo and Nyangchu Rivers, Shigatse was once the political, religious and cultural center of 'Rear Tibet'. As time went on, the town lags far behind Lhasa in terms of economy and population. 98% of the population is Tibetan in the area. Due to its relative inaccessibility, traditional way of life of the local people still remained very well. source: www.topchinatravel.com
...on the way to Shigatse...
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the six big monasteries in Tibet. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second ranking person in the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy, after the Dalai Lama. The monastery houses the tombs of Panchen Lamas and a 22.4-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha. Tashilhunpo remains popular among the Tibetans, as they carry on coming here on pilgrimage. Standing on the entrance of Tashilhunpo, you can see the grand buildings with golden roofs and white walls. The remarkable Tangka wall which is nine-floor high, displays the images of Buddha on the 14th, 15th and 16th of May every year following the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. Besides the grand palace and gigantic statues, the Tashilhunpo also treasures characteristic wall paintings. Because of the variety of shapes, resplendent colors and exquisite painting, the murals are considered to be another masterpiece of Buddhist art. Rare sutras, tangka, china and glass service of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are also invaluable asserts found in the monastery. These are good relics for researching the history and society of Tibet. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the six big monasteries in Tibet. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second ranking person in the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy, after the Dalai Lama. The monastery houses the tombs of Panchen Lamas and a 22.4-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha. Tashilhunpo remains popular among the Tibetans, as they carry on coming here on pilgrimage. Standing on the entrance of Tashilhunpo, you can see the grand buildings with golden roofs and white walls. The remarkable Tangka wall which is nine-floor high, displays the images of Buddha on the 14th, 15th and 16th of May every year following the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. Besides the grand palace and gigantic statues, the Tashilhunpo also treasures characteristic wall paintings. Because of the variety of shapes, resplendent colors and exquisite painting, the murals are considered to be another masterpiece of Buddhist art. Rare sutras, tangka, china and glass service of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are also invaluable asserts found in the monastery. These are good relics for researching the history and society of Tibet. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Yamdrok Lake
one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km (45 miles) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake does have an outlet stream at its far western end. Around 90km to the west of the lake lies the Tibetan town of Gyantse and Lhasa is a hundred km to the northwest. According to local mythology, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess. Yamdrok Lake, has a power station that was completed and dedicated in 1996 near the small village of Pai-Ti at the lake western end. This power station is the largest in Tibet. The lake with an area of 621 square kilometers and the unknown depth is fan-shaped, spreading to the South but narrowing up to the North. The mountainous lake has a dozen of islands, the largest of which is about 3,000 square kilometer. The lake freezes up in winter. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacrosanct by the Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. source: www.topchinatravel.com
one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km (45 miles) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake does have an outlet stream at its far western end. Around 90km to the west of the lake lies the Tibetan town of Gyantse and Lhasa is a hundred km to the northwest. According to local mythology, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess. Yamdrok Lake, has a power station that was completed and dedicated in 1996 near the small village of Pai-Ti at the lake western end. This power station is the largest in Tibet. The lake with an area of 621 square kilometers and the unknown depth is fan-shaped, spreading to the South but narrowing up to the North. The mountainous lake has a dozen of islands, the largest of which is about 3,000 square kilometer. The lake freezes up in winter. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacrosanct by the Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Traditional Tibet Houses
In Lhasa, Shigatse, Chamdo and some other cities and surrounding villages, there are the soil, or stone and wood structure houses, commonly known as "Tibetan Stone House ". Lhasa’s houses are usually the inner court corridor form with two or three layers. In the courtyard, a well and toilet are set at a corner of the courtyard. Around the city, there are mostly bungalow house of craftsmen, artisans, farmers which built by themselves. As for Shannan rural residential areas, because people love outdoor activities, they often used to set an open living space basing on the veranda, quite characteristic. For many rural resident buildings, whether the design of living room, kitchen, storage, garden, or the layout of barn, pigsties, toilet are in reasonable function relationships. Some houses, clever using hillside, built the lower layer to be the cancha and the upper for patio or living spaces. Making the livestock has no interference with people, improving the health conditions. source: www.topchinatravel.com
In Lhasa, Shigatse, Chamdo and some other cities and surrounding villages, there are the soil, or stone and wood structure houses, commonly known as "Tibetan Stone House ". Lhasa’s houses are usually the inner court corridor form with two or three layers. In the courtyard, a well and toilet are set at a corner of the courtyard. Around the city, there are mostly bungalow house of craftsmen, artisans, farmers which built by themselves. As for Shannan rural residential areas, because people love outdoor activities, they often used to set an open living space basing on the veranda, quite characteristic. For many rural resident buildings, whether the design of living room, kitchen, storage, garden, or the layout of barn, pigsties, toilet are in reasonable function relationships. Some houses, clever using hillside, built the lower layer to be the cancha and the upper for patio or living spaces. Making the livestock has no interference with people, improving the health conditions. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Thangka
Thangka refers to the religious scroll painting framed with color stain which used for worshiping. It is an art form with unique features in Tibetan culture. The themes of the paintings include history, policy, culture, social life and so on. The Thangka handed down from ancient times are mainly works of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon. Thangka is a Tibetan transliteration, which means religious worship scroll painting mounted by colorful stain.Historical Origin of Thangka Due to natural and historical reasons, it is difficult to trace the origins of Thangka. According to legend, Tubo King Srongtsen Gampo used his nosebleed and painted the portrayal of Bailamu following the divine guidance, and this was the first Thangka. According to legend, the tangka was hidden by Living Buddha into the abdomen of the Bailamu’s statue. The art of painting can be traced back earliest may to the Neolithic, and to the Tubo Dynasty, the art of painting was perfected. Thangka as a kind of mural at the latest appeared before the middle of the seven century. Early Thangkas, due to the suppression of Buddhism by Langdarma, were with no trace to be found: in addition to a small number of existing Thangka during Song and Yuan Dynasties, most works were collective works when Lobsang Gyatso, the Fifth Dalai, administrated the area.
Art of Painting
Thangka, with distinctive ethnic characteristics, strong religious overtones and unique artistic style, has always been regarded as the treasures of Tibetan people. Thangka’s varieties and textures are varied, but most are drawn on canvas and paper. There is also embroidery, brocade, tapestry and other fabrics applique thangkas. Some even decorated with gold bead, a perfect fit. Thangka painting is the miracle of Tibetan culture with more than a thousand years far-reaching influence.
Features of Thangka
1, Thangka’s contents are various: Both various Buddha and paintings reflects the Tibetan history and ethnic customs. Thangka has rigorous composition, balanced, full, varied, drawing mainly meticulous re-color and based on line drawing.
2, Variety of species, in addition to the printed Thangka and Thangka painting, there are also embroidery, tapestry (Duixiu), tapestry, decal, pearl Thangka andso on.
3, Embroidery Thangka is embroidered with colored silk. The landscapes, figures, flowers, feathers, pavilions, etc. can be embroidered.
4, Brocade thangka is a kind of "Duixiu."
5, Applique thangka is colored stain which is cut into a variety of characters and graphics, and paste on the fabric.
source: www.topchinatravel.com
Thangka refers to the religious scroll painting framed with color stain which used for worshiping. It is an art form with unique features in Tibetan culture. The themes of the paintings include history, policy, culture, social life and so on. The Thangka handed down from ancient times are mainly works of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon. Thangka is a Tibetan transliteration, which means religious worship scroll painting mounted by colorful stain.Historical Origin of Thangka Due to natural and historical reasons, it is difficult to trace the origins of Thangka. According to legend, Tubo King Srongtsen Gampo used his nosebleed and painted the portrayal of Bailamu following the divine guidance, and this was the first Thangka. According to legend, the tangka was hidden by Living Buddha into the abdomen of the Bailamu’s statue. The art of painting can be traced back earliest may to the Neolithic, and to the Tubo Dynasty, the art of painting was perfected. Thangka as a kind of mural at the latest appeared before the middle of the seven century. Early Thangkas, due to the suppression of Buddhism by Langdarma, were with no trace to be found: in addition to a small number of existing Thangka during Song and Yuan Dynasties, most works were collective works when Lobsang Gyatso, the Fifth Dalai, administrated the area.
Art of Painting
Thangka, with distinctive ethnic characteristics, strong religious overtones and unique artistic style, has always been regarded as the treasures of Tibetan people. Thangka’s varieties and textures are varied, but most are drawn on canvas and paper. There is also embroidery, brocade, tapestry and other fabrics applique thangkas. Some even decorated with gold bead, a perfect fit. Thangka painting is the miracle of Tibetan culture with more than a thousand years far-reaching influence.
Features of Thangka
1, Thangka’s contents are various: Both various Buddha and paintings reflects the Tibetan history and ethnic customs. Thangka has rigorous composition, balanced, full, varied, drawing mainly meticulous re-color and based on line drawing.
2, Variety of species, in addition to the printed Thangka and Thangka painting, there are also embroidery, tapestry (Duixiu), tapestry, decal, pearl Thangka andso on.
3, Embroidery Thangka is embroidered with colored silk. The landscapes, figures, flowers, feathers, pavilions, etc. can be embroidered.
4, Brocade thangka is a kind of "Duixiu."
5, Applique thangka is colored stain which is cut into a variety of characters and graphics, and paste on the fabric.
source: www.topchinatravel.com
Cuisine
Tibetan dishes are made with various materials and unique characteristics. The most representative Tibetan cuisines are mutton, beef, Zanba, buttered tea, Tibetan barley wine and so on. The materials are mainly beef, mutton, pork, chicken, potato, radish and son on. Staple food is rice, flour and highland barley. Tibetan people like oily, thick, crisp, sweet and crisp food with hot and sour seasonings. The cuisine usually Roasted, Fried, Fried, boiled, etc.. As the forest is very rich, the cuisines also take chicken as main material. The beverages here are yoghourt, buttered tea, barley wine and. The Tibetan cuisines are full of nutriments, tasted delicious and simple. In addition, Nyingchi Prefecture’s diet is blending of all parts of the country flavor. The common cuisines here are Sichuan Cuisine, Cantonese Cuisine, Shangdong Cuisine and so on. Sichuan Cuisine is the most common one. The Origin of Tibetan Cuisine On Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and surrounding regions, which refers to Tibet, parts of Qianghai, Sichuan, Yuannan and Gansu provinces, live the Tibetan people. On special and amazing Tibet Plateau, Tibetan people created unique Tibetan food culture. And also, through the communication with other countries, nationalities and districts, Tibet accumulated rich diet knowledge and forming the unique cooking skill. No matter the variety or the nutritive value are all attracting the attention from the world. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Tibetan dishes are made with various materials and unique characteristics. The most representative Tibetan cuisines are mutton, beef, Zanba, buttered tea, Tibetan barley wine and so on. The materials are mainly beef, mutton, pork, chicken, potato, radish and son on. Staple food is rice, flour and highland barley. Tibetan people like oily, thick, crisp, sweet and crisp food with hot and sour seasonings. The cuisine usually Roasted, Fried, Fried, boiled, etc.. As the forest is very rich, the cuisines also take chicken as main material. The beverages here are yoghourt, buttered tea, barley wine and. The Tibetan cuisines are full of nutriments, tasted delicious and simple. In addition, Nyingchi Prefecture’s diet is blending of all parts of the country flavor. The common cuisines here are Sichuan Cuisine, Cantonese Cuisine, Shangdong Cuisine and so on. Sichuan Cuisine is the most common one. The Origin of Tibetan Cuisine On Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and surrounding regions, which refers to Tibet, parts of Qianghai, Sichuan, Yuannan and Gansu provinces, live the Tibetan people. On special and amazing Tibet Plateau, Tibetan people created unique Tibetan food culture. And also, through the communication with other countries, nationalities and districts, Tibet accumulated rich diet knowledge and forming the unique cooking skill. No matter the variety or the nutritive value are all attracting the attention from the world. source: www.topchinatravel.com