An oasis of real artistic creativity

Editor's note: China is marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet autonomous region. In the coming weeks, China Daily will bring you in-depth reports about developments in the region in the past half-century, focusing on culture and religion, environmental protection and eco-tourism.

At first sight, the Tibet Academy of Thangka Painting, located between the bustling Tomzigkhang and Barkhor shopping malls in the center of Lhasa, appears as an oasis of calm.

But its tranquil air, behind a closed gate, is deceptive because every day more than 30 Tibetan thangka painters study under the guidance of six masters in the traditional-style building that serves as an exchange center for different styles.