June 11, 2025 – Gannan, China，A group of international journalists and digital creators from countries including Canada, the United States, Switzerland, and South Korea have turned their cameras and microphones toward an ancient art form thriving on the Tibetan Plateau. On June 10, during the “Sacred Gannan: A Journey of the Soul” 2025 Gannan Culture and Tourism Global Media Tour, the delegation visited a unique Thangka art town in Xiahe County, located in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province, China.
The town is home to more than a dozen Thangka studios and serves as a key hub for the preservation and evolution of this sacred Tibetan Buddhist art. Thangka—literally meaning “scroll painting” in Tibetan—has a history of over a thousand years and is often referred to as the “encyclopedia of Tibetan history.” In 2008, Gannan’s Labrang-style Thangka was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.
Lan Gaban, head of the Thangka Art and Culture Association in Xiahe County, spoke candidly about both the opportunities and challenges in preserving this intricate art form. “It takes at least seven or eight years—often over a decade—for a student to become proficient enough to paint independently,” he explained. “With today’s fast-paced lifestyle and emphasis on quick economic returns, fewer young people are willing to commit to this long-term path.”
Lan emphasized the need for innovation and wider accessibility. “We are exploring new ways to bring Thangka closer to everyday life,” he said. While continuing to master traditional religious themes, local studios and the association have begun creating more accessible cultural products and offering hands-on experience workshops.
“At its core, Thangka is a form of painting. Its subject matter can be broader,” Lan noted. “We’re designing smaller, decorative pieces that incorporate Tibetan cultural symbols. These short-term workshops allow tourists—including foreign visitors—to try their hand at painting and experience the spirit of the art.”
Although still limited in scale, some Thangka artworks have already been exported to countries like Russia, indicating growing international interest.
During the visit, delegates not only observed but also participated in the artistic process. Luo Jian, Chief Editor of the New Media Centre at Good News Media New Zealand, eagerly painted a simple auspicious symbol. “It was much more intricate than I expected,” he said. “Even drawing a small motif requires immense patience and focus.”
“This kind of hands-on experience makes it easier for international visitors to connect with the culture,” Luo added. “Gannan’s approach—letting people see and touch tradition—is something other regions could learn from.”
Hu Shuguang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of European Chinese News, was moved by the sight of a young apprentice intently copying a traditional piece. “There’s something profoundly moving about such dedication to heritage,” he remarked.
In recent years, Xiahe County has prioritized integrating culture and tourism. The Thangka art town has become a model for this strategy—offering a collaborative space for artists and students, while inviting travellers to engage with and support a centuries-old artistic tradition.
As Lan Gaban hopes, “Bringing Thangka into people’s everyday lives is key to keeping this art alive.”
