Xizang culture expands creative output

Carvers of Tibetan woodblock, a printing tradition that has been passed down for more than 340 years, work in their studio in Lhasa, Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA

An artist mixes pigments for Tibetan thangka paintings, which has been lauded as an illustrated encyclopedia of Tibetan culture for its unique artistic and cultural value. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA

Dressed in traditional Tibetan costume, a woman poses in front of a painting in Lhasa. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA

A potter looks at the finished product after a process that involved clay selection, sculpting and coloring. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA

Phursong carving was listed as an intangible cultural heritage in Xizang in 2009. The manual production takes 30 steps to complete. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA

A young man concentrates on his thangka artwork. The art was included on the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA

Made from natural medicinal herbs, Tibetan incense is still handmade in Xizang to maintain quality standards. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA

Stylish, colorful and exquisite workmanship ensures that modern Tibetan costumes are attractive and easy to wear. JIANG FAN/TENZING NIMA QADHUP/XINHUA