Chongqing - On December 23, Chongqing's Xinghui Cultural Space in Liangjiang New Area launched the 2025 Chamdo Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition. 

The exhibition features Tibetan treasures from Chamdo, also known in Chinese as Changdu, including Thangka paintings, calligraphy, incense, and traditional crafts. It offers a rare opportunity for residents to explore Tibet's rich cultural heritage.

The Xinghui Cultural Space in the Liangjiang New Area was recently buzzing with energy as it launched the 2025 Chamdo Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Exhibition. (Photo/ 2025 Chamdo Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition)

The venue was packed with visitors eager to explore the exhibits, with the Thangka paintings being a standout attraction. This traditional Tibetan art, renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate designs, left a lasting impression on everyone who viewed it.

The exhibition offers residents a rare chance to explore Tibet's rich cultural heritage. (Photo/ 2025 Chamdo Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition)

"Thangka has over 1,300 years of history. The term 'Thangka' means 'scroll painting' in Tibetan, and these works of art shine with the brilliance of the Tibetan plateau's starry skies; their fine lines flow like mountain streams, and their compositions tell vivid stories, much like a living history scroll. They are incredibly valuable both artistically and as collectibles," said Chen Laijiang, an inheritor of the Thangka tradition from Chamdo's Riwoche County. 

The exhibition also featured ivory jade, a warm, translucent stone that captivated many with its luminous quality. This material is commonly used in Tibetan jewelry and carvings, showcasing the region's distinctive aesthetic and craftsmanship.

The exhibition also featured ivory jade, a warm, translucent stone that captivated many with its luminous quality. (Photo/ 2025 Chamdo Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition)

Tibetan calligraphy, another significant cultural treasure, also took center stage. Listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, Tibetan calligraphy is traditionally done with hard pens made from bone, wood, or bamboo. At the exhibition, a Tibetan calligraphy master from Chamdo demonstrated his craft and guided visitors as they tried writing Tibetan characters, connecting them with the cultural symbols of Tibet.

Tibetan calligraphy, another significant cultural treasure, also took center stage at the exhibition. (Photo/ 2025 Chamdo Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition)

In addition to the exhibits, the event offered interactive experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Tibetan culture. The Tibetan costume area was especially popular, with colorful Kham-style robes drawing attention. 

These robes, known for their wide waistbands, long sleeves, and lack of buttons, come in bright colors like red, yellow, blue, and green. They reflect the bold, expressive nature of the Tibetan people. Many visitors tried on these stunning garments and took photos, feeling transported to the heart of Tibet.

The exhibition also showcased Tibetan wool crafts, including vests, shoes, hats, cushions, and decorative items. These handmade items carry the historical and cultural traditions of the Tibetan people, passed down through generations, and offer a tactile connection to the region's heritage.

For those who crave authentic Tibetan cuisine, the event featured a variety of food stalls offering traditional dishes. Highlights included Qingke (barley) cookies, Qingke twists, and dried yak meat - delicious treats that quickly became favorites among visitors. According to event organizers, all food products were sourced directly from Chamdo, ensuring authenticity and quality.

"This exhibition not only introduces the unique charm of Chamdo's intangible cultural heritage to the residents of Chongqing, but it also enriches their cultural lives and promotes the exchange and integration of Han and Tibetan cultures," said a representative from Xinghui Community in Liangjiang New Area.

The exhibition will run until January 5, 2025. Various cultural performances and activities will also occur during this period, offering Chongqing residents a comprehensive view of Chamdo's rich heritage.