Shoton Festival opens in Lhasa with giant thangka unveiling

Cathy, an Australian visitor who last attended the Shoton Festival 40 years ago, expressed amazement at the region's development, particularly after experiencing the Qinghai-Xizang Railway linking the autonomous region with nearby Qinghai province.

Liu Ke, an artist from Hubei province, participated in the festival's cultural activities at the Norbulingka Park, where she sold her hand-painted thangkas.

Her works were a hit with international visitors, not surprising considering the positive feedback she has received on YouTube. This increasing international interest is also evident in the Tibetan opera performances at the festival.