Carrying lingka spirit into autumn chill
A seasonal pastime remains a social fixture as new venues extend the tradition into colder months, Palden Nyima and Zheng Jinran report.
Despite the rise of modern leisure venues, traditional summer lingka sites remain an integral part of local life, particularly in villages around the city, Nyiten says.
In a valley near Palding village on Lhasa's eastern outskirts, colorful Tibetan-style tents lined a stream as the summer season drew to a close.
The sound of running water filled the valley, while the breeze carried the scent of grass and damp earth. Inside a large tent, adults relaxed around a table laden with food and drinks. Nearby, children chased one another across the grass.
Drolma, a local woman who runs a traditional lingka site, was cleaning and tidying the grounds between visits from guests.
She says business typically begins in May, with the busiest period running from late May to early September. She estimates that the site earned her family about 30,000 to 40,000 yuan ($4,500 to $5,600) during the season, providing an important source of income.
Her business primarily involves renting out tents and providing basic recreational facilities, keeping investment and operating costs relatively low.
Nyiten says many such sites in the valleys around Lhasa are run by local residents. During the peak season, smaller tents at some locations rent for 300 to 500 yuan a day.
Beyond the economic benefits, he sees the tradition as a valuable way to sustain personal relationships in an increasingly digital society. As people spend more time on smartphones and other devices, opportunities for meaningful face-to-face interaction can become limited, even among relatives and close friends, he says.
Sharing a meal, talking, singing and simply spending time together can help strengthen those bonds.
For Metok, the enduring appeal of lingka lies in the connections it fosters, despite changes in venues, food and facilities.
"The way we enjoy lingka and the services available may change over time," she says. "But what never changes is the chance to put aside work and worries and cherish time together with family and friends."
