CHINA> Regional
'Green Lake' catches tourists' attention
By Sun Tian (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-06-19 17:44

Xining - The first Qinghai International Thangka Arts and Cultural Heritage expo & The 5th Ethnic Cultural and Tourist Festival opened in Xining on June 15, the capital city of Northwest China's Qinghai Province.

The cultural festival features Tibetan Thangka - a special Buddhist art, in addition to many other folk arts which will be shown up until June 18, with such treats on display as paper-cuts, folk painting and minority nationality costume shows.

The entire cultural exhibition is from Regong, Huangnan County with the festival showcasing the culture qualities of an area often referred to as "Green Lake".

Tibetan Thangka is a complicated piece of work produced by painters and tailors with different intent, skills and training. Made to serve as a guide for contemplative experience, it is popular among Buddhists in this region.

Heavily influenced by Han Chinese and ethnic Tibetan cultural styles, Qinghai's mix is awe-inspiring.

Appreciating its rich tourist resources, the provincial government has recently been supporting and trying hard to develop the tourism industry.

Since great efforts have been made, Qinghai has been winning increasing attention from home and aboard.